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{{short description|8th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Short description|Indian politician (born 1953)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Tamil name|Muthuvel Karunanidhi|Stalin}}
{{Indian name|Stalin|Muthuvel Karunanidhi}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name          = M. K. Stalin
| image = The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin.jpg
| image        = Hon CM Photo.jpg
| caption = Stalin in 2022
| caption       = Official portrait, 2021
| office = Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
| office       = 8th [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]
| order = 8th
| term_start   = 7 May 2021
| term_start = 7 May 2021
| term_end     =  
| term_end =  
| governor     = [[Banwarilal Purohit]] (Till 2021)<br />[[R. N. Ravi]] (Since 2021)
| deputy = [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]
| predecessor   = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]
| governor = {{ubl|[[Banwarilal Purohit]]|[[R. N. Ravi]]|[[Rajendra Arlekar]]}}
| predecessor = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Additional ministries}}
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Additional ministries}}
| 1blankname1   = [[M. K. Stalin ministry|Ministry and Departments]]
| 1blankname1 = [[M. K. Stalin ministry|Ministry and Departments]]
| 1namedata1   =  
| 1namedata1 = * [[Department of Public (Tamil Nadu)|Public]]
*Public
* [[Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply (Tamil Nadu)|General Administration]]
*Home
* [[Indian Administrative Service]]
*[[Tamil Nadu Police|Police]]
* [[Indian Police Service]]
*[[Indian Administrative Service]]
* [[Indian Forest Service]]
*[[Indian Police Service]]
* [[Department of Revenue (Tamil Nadu)|District Revenue Officers]]
*[[Indian Forest Service]]
* [[Tamil Nadu Police|Police]]
*District Revenue Officers
* [[Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise|Home]]
*General Administration
* [[Department of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (Tamil Nadu)|Special Initiatives]]
*Special Initiatives
* [[Department of Special Programme Implementation (Tamil Nadu)|Special Programme Implementation]]
*Special Programme Implementation
* [[Department of Welfare of Differently Abled Persons (Tamil Nadu)|Welfare of Differently Abled Persons]]
*Welfare Of Differently-abled Persons
*Other Departments not allocated to any Minister
| term_start1  = 7 May 2021
| term_end1    =
| predecessor1  = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]] CM
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
| office2       = 17th [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition]] in [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| office2 = Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
| term_start2   = 24 May 2016
| order2 = 1st
| term_end2     = 2 May 2021
| term_start2 = 29 May 2009
| 2blankname2    = Speaker
| term_end2 = 15 May 2011
| 2namedata2    = [[P. Dhanapal]]
| governor2 = [[Surjit Singh Barnala]]
| predecessor2 = [[Vijayakanth]]
| predecessor2 = ''Office established''
| successor2   = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]
| successor2 = [[O. Panneerselvam]] (in [[Palaniswami ministry|2017]])
| office3      = 1st [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]
| 1blankname2 = Chief Minister
| term_start3  = 29 May 2009
| 1namedata2 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| term_end3    = 15 May 2011
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Portfolios}}
| governor3    = [[Surjit Singh Barnala]]
| 2blankname2 = [[Fifth Karunanidhi ministry|Ministry and Departments]]
| 1blankname3  = Chief Minister
| 2namedata2 = * [[Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply (Tamil Nadu)|General Administration]]
| 1namedata3    = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
* [[Department of Revenue (Tamil Nadu)|District Revenue Officers]]
| predecessor3  = Position Established
* [[Department of Industries (Tamil Nadu)|Industries]]
| successor3    = [[O. Panneerselvam]] (in [[Palaniswami ministry|2017]])
* [[Department of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare (Tamil Nadu)|Minorities Welfare]]
| 2blankname3  = Portfolios
* [[Department of Social Reforms (Tamil Nadu)|Social Reforms]]
| 2namedata3    =
* [[Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply (Tamil Nadu)|Municipal Administration and Water Supply]]
*General Administration
* [[Department of Public (Tamil Nadu)|Passports]]
*District Revenue Officers
* [[Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment (Tamil Nadu)|Poverty Alleviation Programmes]]
*Industries
* [[Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Tamil Nadu)|Rural Development and Panchayat Raj]]
*Minorities Welfare
* [[Department of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (Tamil Nadu)|Special Initiatives]]
*Passports
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
*Special Initiatives
| office3 = 17th [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition]] in the<br />[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
*Social Reforms
| term_start3 = 24 May 2016
*Municipal Administration
| term_end3 = 6 May 2021
*Rural Development
| governor3 = {{ubl|[[Konijeti Rosaiah]]|[[C. Vidyasagar Rao]]| [[Banwarilal Purohit]]}}
*Panchayats and Panchayat Union
| predecessor3 = [[Vijayakanth]]
*Poverty Alleviation Programmes
| 1blankname3 = Chief Minister
*Rural Indebtedness
| 1namedata3 = {{ubl|[[Jayalalithaa]]|[[O. Panneerselvam]]|[[Edappadi K Palaniswami]]}}
*Urban and Rural Water Supply
| office4 = [[Tamil Nadu Council of Ministers|Cabinet Minister]] in [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]]
| office4      = Minister for [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Rural Development and Local Administration]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| minister4 = [[Department of Rural Development and Panchayat (Tamil Nadu)|Rural Development and Panchayati Raj]]
| term_start4  = 13 May 2006
| term_start4 = 13 May 2006
| term_end4    = 15 May 2011
| term_end4 = 15 May 2011
| 1blankname4  = Chief Minister
| 1blankname4 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata4    = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| 1namedata4 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| predecessor4  = [[K. P. Anbalagan]]
| predecessor4 = [[K. P. Anbalagan]]
| successor4    = [[P. Mohan (politician)|P. Mohan]]
| successor4 = [[P. Mohan (Sankarapuram politician)|P. Mohan]]
| office5      = 45th [[List of mayors of Chennai|Mayor of Chennai]]
| office5 = 2nd President of<br />[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| term_start5  = 25 October 1996
| term_start5 = 28 August 2018
| term_end5    = 6 September 2002
| term_end5 =  
| predecessor5  = [[R. Arumugam]] (in 1973)
| 1blankname5 = General Secretary
| successor5    = [[Karate R. Thiagarajan]]
| 1namedata5 = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]]|[[Durai Murugan]]}}
| office6      = 2nd [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| predecessor5 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| term_start6  = 28 August 2018
| office6 = Working President of<br />[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| term_end6    =
| term_start6 = 4 January 2017
| predecessor6  = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| term_end6 = 28 August 2018
| 1blankname6  = General Secretary
| predecessor6 = ''Position established''
| 1namedata6    = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]] (Till 2020)|[[Durai Murugan]] (Since 2020)}}
| successor6 = ''Position abolished''
| office7      = Working President of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| president6 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| term_start7  = 4 January 2017
| office7 = Treasurer of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| term_end7    = 28 August 2018
| term_start7 = 27 December 2008
| predecessor7  = Position Established
| term_end7 = 27 August 2018
| successor7    = Position Abolished
| predecessor7 = [[Arcot N. Veeraswami]]
| 1blankname7  = General Secretary
| successor7 = [[Durai Murugan]]
| 1namedata7    = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]]}}
| president7 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| office8      = Treasurer of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| 1blankname7 = General Secretary
| term_start8  = 27 December 2008
| 1namedata7 = [[K. Anbazhagan]]
| term_end8    = 27 August 2018
| office8 = Deputy General Secretary of<br />[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| predecessor8 = [[Arcot N. Veeraswami]]
| term_start8 = 2 June 2003
| successor8  = [[Durai Murugan]]
| term_end8 = 26 December 2008
| 1blankname8  = General Secretary
| 1blankname8 = General Secretary
| 1namedata8  = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]]}}
| predecessor8 = ''Position established''
| office9      = Deputy General Secretary of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| successor8 = ''Position abolished''
| term_start9  = 2 June 2003
| president8 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| term_end9    = 26 December 2008
| 1namedata8 = [[K. Anbazhagan]]
| 1blankname9  = General Secretary
| office9 = 45th [[List of mayors of Chennai|Mayor of Chennai]]
| 1namedata9  = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]]}}
| term_start9 = 25 October 1996
| office10      = [[Youth wing]] Secretary of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| term_end9 = 6 September 2002
| term_start10  = 20 July 1982
| predecessor9 = [[R. Arumugam]] (in 1973)
| term_end10    = 6 July 2017
| successor9 = [[Karate R. Thiagarajan]]
| predecessor10 = Position Established
| office11 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member]] of the<br />[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| successor10  = [[M. P. Saminathan]]
| term_start11 = 23 May 2011
| 1blankname10  = General Secretary
| term_end11 =  
| 1namedata10  = {{ubl|[[K. Anbazhagan]]}}
| predecessor11 = ''Constituency established''
| office11       = [[Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]
| term_start11   = 23 May 2011
| term_end11     =
| 2blankname11    = Speaker
| 2namedata11    = [[D. Jayakumar]] (2011-12)<br/>[[P. Dhanapal]] (2012-21)<br/>[[M. Appavu]] (since 2021)
| predecessor11 = Constituency Established
| constituency11 = [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]
| constituency11 = [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]
| term_start12   = 13 May 1996
| term_start12 = 13 May 1996
| term_end12     = 15 May 2011
| term_end12 = 15 May 2011
| 2blankname12    = Speaker
| predecessor12 = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| 2namedata12    = [[P. T. R. Palanivel Rajan]] (1996-2001)<br/>[[K. Kalimuthu]] (2001-06)<br/>[[R. Avudaiyappan]] (2006-11)
| successor12 = [[B. Valarmathi]]
| predecessor12 = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| successor12   = [[B. Valarmathi]]
| constituency12 = [[Thousand Lights]]
| constituency12 = [[Thousand Lights]]
| term_start13   = 27 January 1989
| term_start13 = 27 January 1989
| 2blankname13    = Speaker
| predecessor13 = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| 2namedata13    = [[M. Tamilkudimagan]]
| successor13 = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| predecessor13 = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| term_end13 = 30 January 1991
| successor13   = [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| term_end13     = 30 January 1991
| constituency13 = [[Thousand Lights]]
| constituency13 = [[Thousand Lights]]
| birth_name   = Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin
| office14 = [[Youth wing|Youth Wing]] Secretary of<br />[[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1953|03|01}}
| term_start14 = 20 July 1982
| birth_place   = [[Madras]], [[Madras State]] (now [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]), India
| term_end14 = 6 July 2017
| death_date   =  
| predecessor14 = ''Position established''
| death_place   =  
| successor14 = [[M. P. Saminathan]]
| death_cause   =  
| president14 = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
| 1blankname14 = General Secretary
| 1namedata14 = [[K. Anbazhagan]]
| birth_name = Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1953|03|01}}
| birth_place = [[Chennai|Madras]], [[Madras State]], India<br>(present-day Chennai, [[Tamil Nadu]])
| death_date =  
| death_place =  
| death_cause =  
| resting_place =  
| resting_place =  
| party         = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| party = [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| spouse       = {{marriage|Durga Stalin|1975}}
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Durga Stalin]]|1975}}
| children     = {{flatlist|
| children = 2 (including [[Udhayanidhi Stalin|Udhayanidhi]])
* [[Udhayanidhi Stalin|Udhayanidhi]]
| father = [[M. Karunanidhi]]
* Senthamarai}}
| relatives = [[Karunanidhi family]]
| parents      = {{plainlist|
| education = [[Bachelor of Arts]]
*[[M. Karunanidhi]] (father)
| alma_mater = [[Presidency College, Chennai]]
* Dayalu Ammal (mother)}}
| occupation = [[Politician]]
| relatives     = [[Karunanidhi family]]
| signature = M. K. Stalin Signature.svg
| residence    = 25/9, Chittaranjan Road, [[Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu]], India
| website = {{URL|mkstalin.in/}}
| education     = [[Bachelor of Arts]]
| nickname =  
| alma_mater   = [[Presidency College, Chennai]]
| footnotes =  
| occupation   = Politician
| signature     = M. K. Stalin Signature.svg
| website       = {{URL|mkstalin.in/}}
| nickname     = MKS
| footnotes     =  
}}
}}
'''Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|s|t|ɑː|l|ɪ|n|,_|-|l|i|n}}, {{IPA|ta|'mut̪ːuʋeːl kaɾuˈɳaːniði sʈaːˈlin|audio=MK Stalin Swearing-in DMK Chief MK Stalin Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.ogg}}}} (born 1 March 1953) is an Indian politician who has served as the eighth [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] since 2021. He became president of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) on 28 August 2018, after serving as the party's working president from January 2017 to August 2018.


'''Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin''' ({{IPAc-en|s|t|ɑː|l|ɪ|n|,_|-|l|i|n}}, {{IPA-ta|'mut̪ːuʋeːl kaɾuˈɳaːniði sʈaːˈlin|3=MK Stalin Swearing-in DMK Chief MK Stalin Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.ogg}}}} born 1 March 1953), often referred to by his initials as '''M. K. Stalin''', is an Indian politician serving as the [[M. K. Stalin ministry|8th and current]] [[List of chief ministers of Tamil Nadu|Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]. The son of the former Chief Minister [[M. Karunanidhi]], Stalin has been the president of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) party since 28 August 2018. He served as the [[Mayor of Chennai|45th Mayor of Chennai]] from 1996 to 2002 and [[List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu|1st]] [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] from 2009 to 2011.<ref>"[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/karunanidhi-makes-stalin-deputy-chief-minister/article293666.ece Karunanidhi makes Stalin Deputy Chief Minister]". ''TheHindu.com''.</ref><ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Stalin+appointed+Tamil+Nadu+Deputy+CM/1/44292.html Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy CM]</ref> Stalin was placed 24th on the list of India's Most Powerful Personalities in 2022 by ''[[The Indian Express]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ie100-list-of-most-powerful-indians-in-2019-narendra-modi-amit-shah-mukesh-ambani-gogoi-mohan-bhagwat-6039930/|title=IE100: The list of most powerful Indians in 2019|date=2019-09-30|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-10-14}}</ref>
Born in 1953, Stalin is the third son of former Tamil Nadu chief minister [[M. Karunanidhi]]. He completed his education at [[Presidency College, Chennai|Presidency College]] in [[Chennai]] in 1973. He began his political career in the late 1960s and was elected to DMK's general committee in 1973. He was jailed during [[The Emergency (India)|the Emergency]] in 1976. He became the secretary of the party's youth wing in 1982, a post he held for more than four decades. He served as the 45th [[mayor of Chennai]] from 1996 to 2002. He has been elected to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] eight times, and served as the state's first [[Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|deputy chief minister]] from 2009 to 2011.


== Early life and family ==
Stalin is married to Durga, and their son [[Udhayanidhi]] currently serves as the state's deputy chief minister. In 2009, [[Anna University]] conferred an honorary doctorate on Stalin. In 2025, ''[[The Indian Express]]'' named him as India's 23rd most powerful personality.
Stalin is the third son of [[List of Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu|2nd]] [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] and [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] Chief [[M. Karunanidhi]], and was born to his wife, Dayalu Ammal. Stalin was born in Madras, now [[Chennai]], on 1 March 1953. Karunanidhi was addressing a condolence meeting for Soviet leader [[Joseph Stalin]], who died only four days after his child was born, and thus decided to name his son after Stalin.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/w8AdQ0Gwsh12WyUjORR14J/Will-DMKs-Stalin-gain-from-the-political-feud-in-Tamil-Nadu.html|title=Will DMK's Stalin gain from the political feud in Tamil Nadu?|last=Thangavelu|first=Dharani|date=1 March 2017|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=20 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="theweek.in">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/08/28/m-k-stalin-timeline-slow-steady-dmk-president.html|title=M.K. Stalin timeline: Slow, steady rise of DMK's new president|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref>


Stalin studied at the [[Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6709112.cms|title=Star-studded 175th b'day for MCC school|date=7 October 2010|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 October 2018}}</ref> He completed a pre-university course at Vivekananda College, and obtained a history degree from [[Presidency College, Chennai]] of [[University of Madras]] in 1973. Stalin was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Anna University on August 1, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/event_photos_3-Hindi-Events-M_K_Stalin_A_R_Rahman_Mylswamy_Annadurai-Photo-Galleries-1,8,4359,1.php|title=M K Stalin, A. R. Rahman & Mylswamy Annadurai{{!}}A.R.RAHMAN Awarded Doctorate by Anna University Photo Gallery, A.R.RAHMAN Awarded Doctorate by Anna University Stills, A.R.RAHMAN Awarded Doctorate by Anna University Gallery, A.R.RAHMAN Awarded Doctorate by Anna University Photos|website=Bharatstudent|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahman-stalin-get-honorary-doctorates/story-E3U4gzMBfuiwIPJzn85RyN.html|title=Rahman, Stalin get honorary doctorates|date=2009-08-01|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/22046|title=Stalin, Rahman, Annadurai conferred honorary doctorates {{!}} Asian Tribune|website=www.asiantribune.com|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/rahman-awarded-doctorate-310195.html|title=A R Rahman to be awarded honorary doctorate|website=News18|date=4 March 2009|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref>
== Early and personal life ==
Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin was born in [[Chennai]] on 1 March 1953 as the third son of [[M. Karunanidhi]], who would later serve as [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]], and Dayalu Ammal. He was named after [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] leader [[Joseph Stalin]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/w8AdQ0Gwsh12WyUjORR14J/Will-DMKs-Stalin-gain-from-the-political-feud-in-Tamil-Nadu.html|title=Will DMK's Stalin gain from the political feud in Tamil Nadu?|last=Thangavelu|first=Dharani|date=1 March 2017|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=20 April 2018|archive-date=20 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420135905/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/w8AdQ0Gwsh12WyUjORR14J/Will-DMKs-Stalin-gain-from-the-political-feud-in-Tamil-Nadu.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Week">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/08/28/m-k-stalin-timeline-slow-steady-dmk-president.html|title=M.K. Stalin timeline: Slow, steady rise of DMK's new president|work=[[The Week (India)|The Week]]|access-date=11 August 2019|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025225/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/08/28/m-k-stalin-timeline-slow-steady-dmk-president.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Stalin was educated at [[Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6709112.cms|title=Star-studded 175th b'day for MCC school|date=7 October 2010|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 October 2018|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921150755/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/star-studded-175th-bday-for-mcc-school/articleshow/6709112.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He completed a pre-university course at [[Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College|Vivekananda College]] and obtained a degree in history from [[Presidency College, Chennai|Presidency College]] in 1973.<ref name="Result">{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/politicians/m-k-stalin-86.html|title=M K Stalin political timeline|work=[[OneIndia]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


Stalin married Durga (alias Shantha) on August 20, 1975, and has two children.
Stalin married [[Durga Stalin|Durga]] (alias Shantha) on 20 August 1975. They have two children.<ref name="Result"/> Their son, [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]], is an actor and politician who since 2024 is  [[List of deputy chief ministers of Tamil Nadu|deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/udhayanidhi-stalin-tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-cabinet-reshuffle-mk-stalin-2608062-2024-09-28|title=MK Stalin appoints son Udhayanidhi as Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister|date=28 September 2024|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> Their daughter Senthamarai is an entrepreneur and education professional.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sunshine {{!}} Management|url=http://sunshineschool.in/senior/management.aspx|access-date=25 January 2022|work=Sunshine school|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928064400/http://sunshineschool.in/senior/management.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=4 April 2021|title=V Sabareesan: Tamil Nadu's first family's premier son-in-law|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/v-sabareesan-tamil-nadus-first-familys-premier-son-in-law-7258121/|access-date=25 January 2022|work=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121142001/https://indianexpress.com/elections/v-sabareesan-tamil-nadus-first-familys-premier-son-in-law-7258121/|url-status=live}}</ref> Stalin describes himself as an [[Atheism|Atheist]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Not in the name of God: Why MK Stalin's atheism is par for the course|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/views/not-in-the-name-of-god-why-mk-stalins-atheism-is-par-for-the-course-9230411.htm|access-date=8 May 2021|work=[[CNBC TV18]]|date=7 May 2021|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508172755/https://www.cnbctv18.com/views/not-in-the-name-of-god-why-mk-stalins-atheism-is-par-for-the-course-9230411.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=8 August 2018|title=M Karunanidhi: An atheist who ruled even as religion ruled politics|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/m-karunanidhi-an-atheist-who-ruled-even-as-religion-ruled-politics-1308328-2018-08-08|access-date=8 May 2021|work=[[India Today]]|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508172753/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/m-karunanidhi-an-atheist-who-ruled-even-as-religion-ruled-politics-1308328-2018-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 August 2018|title=M Karunanidhi (1924-2018): An atheist who spoke of God in the smile of the poor|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/m-karunanidhi-1924-2018-an-atheist-who-spoke-of-god-in-the-smile-of-the-poor-5296749/|access-date=8 May 2021|work=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230123652/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/m-karunanidhi-1924-2018-an-atheist-who-spoke-of-god-in-the-smile-of-the-poor-5296749/|url-status=live}}</ref>


His son is [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]], an actor and politician. Udhayanidhi is married to [[Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi]], an Indian Tamil film director.
== Political career ==
=== Early career ===
Stalin began his political career in his early teens when he, with some friends, founded the youth wing of [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) in Gopalapuram.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=MK Stalin's Big Test In First Tamil Nadu Polls Since Father Karunanidhi's Death |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-2021-mk-stalins-big-test-in-first-tamil-nadu-polls-since-father-karunanidhis-death-2394647 |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[NDTV]] |archive-date=20 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320005531/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-2021-mk-stalins-big-test-in-first-tamil-nadu-polls-since-father-karunanidhis-death-2394647 |url-status=live}}</ref> At 14 years old, he campaigned for his uncle, [[Murasoli Maran]], in the [[1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-is-the-cm-candidate-from-dmk/article6957912.ece |title=Waiting in the wings |work=[[The Hindu]] |author=B. Kolappan |date=4 March 2015 |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928070552/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-is-the-cm-candidate-from-dmk/article6957912.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TIE">{{cite web |date=28 August 2018 |title=From Ilaya Thalapathi to DMK chief, Stalin comes out of Karunanidhi's shadows |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-profile-5328255/ |access-date=20 March 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718030213/https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-profile-5328255/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1973, he was elected to the general committee of the DMK.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-election-finally-the-prince-becomes-the-king/articleshow/82364423.cms |title=M K Stalin: Finally, the prince becomes the king |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 May 2021 |access-date=4 May 2021 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503065045/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-election-finally-the-prince-becomes-the-king/articleshow/82364423.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


His daughter is Senthamarai Sabareesan, an entrepreneur and educationist. She is the director of Sunshine Schools, Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sunshine {{!}} Management|url=http://sunshineschool.in/senior/management.aspx|access-date=2022-01-25|website=sunshineschool.in}}</ref> Senthamarai is married to [[Sabareesan Vedamurthy]], an entrepreneur and political strategist.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-04|title=V Sabareesan: Tamil Nadu's first family's premier son-in-law|url=https://indianexpress.com/elections/v-sabareesan-tamil-nadus-first-familys-premier-son-in-law-7258121/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
In 1976, Stalin was jailed in [[Madras Central Prison]] under the [[Maintenance of Internal Security Act]] for protesting against [[The Emergency (India)|the Emergency]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/m-k-stalin-dmk-congress-bjp-aiadmk-pmk-narendra-modi-lok-sabha-elections-2019-mmamata-banerjee-karunanidhi/373379 |title=MK Stalin: The new charioteer of Dravida Munnetra Kazagham |work=[[Times Now]] |author=Nikhil Jha |date=16 April 2019 |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718030214/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/m-k-stalin-dmk-congress-bjp-aiadmk-pmk-narendra-modi-lok-sabha-elections-2019-mmamata-banerjee-karunanidhi/373379 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/28185507/1086200/MK-Stalin-From-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-.vpf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718030227/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/28185507/1086200/MK-Stalin-From-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-.vpf |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2021 |title=MK Stalin: From a gritty teenage campaigner to mature DMK boss |work=[[Daily Thanthi|DT Next]] |date=28 August 2018 |access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref> Whilst in police custody, he endured torture which resulted in the death of his fellow prisoner [[C. Chittibabu]].<ref name="Venkatachalapathy2019">{{cite book |author=A. R. Venkatachalapathy |title=Tamil Characters |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NMB7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT56 |access-date=23 February 2021 |date=24 January 2019 |publisher=[[Pan Macmillan]] |isbn=978-1-5290-2259-9 |pages=56– |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921150813/https://books.google.com/books?id=NMB7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT56 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kannan2017">{{cite book |author=R Kannan |title=MGR: A Life |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2mclDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT207 |date=28 June 2017 |publisher=[[Random House]] |isbn=978-9-38649-588-4 |pages=207– |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-date=21 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921150739/https://books.google.com/books?id=2mclDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT207 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Stalin-takes-family-on-nostalgia-trip-around-Central-jail/articleshow/4273669.cms |title=Stalin takes family on nostalgia trip around Central jail |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=25 February 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718030212/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Stalin-takes-family-on-nostalgia-trip-around-Central-jail/articleshow/4273669.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He wrote his final-year college exams whilst in prison.<ref name="Week"/>


Like his father, Stalin has publicly disclosed that he is an atheist. But he also said that he is not against any religious beliefs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Not in the name of God: Why MK Stalin's atheism is par for the course|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/views/not-in-the-name-of-god-why-mk-stalins-atheism-is-par-for-the-course-9230411.htm|access-date=2021-05-08|website=cnbctv18.com|date=7 May 2021|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 8, 2018|title=M Karunanidhi: An atheist who ruled even as religion ruled politics|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/m-karunanidhi-an-atheist-who-ruled-even-as-religion-ruled-politics-1308328-2018-08-08|access-date=2021-05-08|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-08|title=M Karunanidhi (1924-2018): An atheist who spoke of God in the smile of the poor|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/m-karunanidhi-1924-2018-an-atheist-who-spoke-of-god-in-the-smile-of-the-poor-5296749/|access-date=2021-05-08|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
=== Youth wing and MLA ===
 
Stalin established the youth wing of the DMK in 1980 and became its secretary in 1982, a post he held for more than four decades.<ref name="Week"/> During the 1980s, he travelled across Tamil Nadu to encourage and mentor youth to join active politics.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 July 2019 |title=Udayanidhi Stalin appointed DMK youth wing secretary |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/udayanidhi-stalin-appointed-dmk-youth-wing-secretary/article28282578.ece |access-date=30 September 2022 |work=[[Business Line]] |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025515/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/udayanidhi-stalin-appointed-dmk-youth-wing-secretary/article28282578.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1989, he was elected to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] from [[Thousand Lights Assembly constituency]], and represented the constituency five times.<ref name="Week"/> In 2003, he became Deputy General Secretary of the DMK.<ref name="NDTV" />
== Politics ==
His political career began in his early teens when he started the DMK Gopalapuram Youth Wing with several friends.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=MK Stalin's Big Test In First Tamil Nadu Polls Since Father Karunanidhi's Death|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-2021-mk-stalins-big-test-in-first-tamil-nadu-polls-since-father-karunanidhis-death-2394647|access-date=2021-03-20|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> As a 14 year old, he campaigned for his uncle, [[Murasoli Maran]], in the 1967 elections.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-is-the-cm-candidate-from-dmk/article6957912.ece | title=Waiting in the wings | work=The Hindu | last=B. Kolappan | date=4 March 2015 | access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2018-08-28|title=From Ilaya Thalapathi to DMK chief, Stalin comes out of Karunanidhi's shadows|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-profile-5328255/|access-date=2021-03-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> In 1973, Stalin was elected to the General committee of the DMK.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-election-finally-the-prince-becomes-the-king/articleshow/82364423.cms | title=M K Stalin: Finally, the prince becomes the king | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=3 May 2021 | access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref>
 
He came to the limelight when he was jailed in Central Prison, Madras under the [[Maintenance of Internal Security Act]] (MISA) for protesting against the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]] in 1976.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/m-k-stalin-dmk-congress-bjp-aiadmk-pmk-narendra-modi-lok-sabha-elections-2019-mmamata-banerjee-karunanidhi/373379 | title=MK Stalin: The new charioteer of Dravida Munnetra Kazagham | publisher=Times Now | work=Nikhil Jha | date=16 April 2019 | access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/28185507/1086200/MK-Stalin-From-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-.vpf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718030227/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TopNews/2018/08/28185507/1086200/MK-Stalin-From-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-.vpf | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 July 2021 | title=MK Stalin: From a gritty teenage campaigner to mature DMK boss | publisher=DT Next | date=28 August 2018 | access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="Padalkar2021">{{cite book|author=Ravindra Padalkar|title=Ruling Dynasties of Independent India – Volume 2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QLEcEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT170|access-date=25 February 2021|date=14 February 2021|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=978-1-63781-546-5|pages=170–}}</ref> He was beaten up in custody and a fellow DMK prisoner [[C. Chittibabu]] died of injuries and police torture while protecting him.<ref name="Venkatachalapathy2019">{{cite book|author=A. R. Venkatachalapathy|title=Tamil Characters|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NMB7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT56|access-date=23 February 2021|date=24 January 2019|publisher=Pan Macmillan|isbn=978-1-5290-2259-9|pages=56–}}</ref><ref name="Kannan2017">{{cite book|author=R Kannan|title=MGR: A Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2mclDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT207|date=28 June 2017|publisher=Random House Publishers India Pvt. Limited|isbn=978-93-86495-88-4|pages=207–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Stalin-takes-family-on-nostalgia-trip-around-Central-jail/articleshow/4273669.cms | title=Stalin takes family on nostalgia trip around Central jail | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=17 March 2009 | access-date=25 February 2021}}</ref> He wrote his final year BA exams while in prison.<ref name="theweek.in"/> Stalin formed the DMK youth wing. In 1982 Stalin became the youth wing secretary of DMK, a post he held for more than four decades.
 
== Youth Wing ==
In 1968, Stalin started the DMK Youth Wing in Gopalapuram in a barber shop with his friends. In 1983, he transformed the Gopalapuram Youth Wing into a Statewide phenomenon and led the frontal as a Secretary, a position he held for more than four decades. During the early stages of the Youth Wing, he travelled across Tamil Nadu with other members to mentor fellow youth of the state in key areas of active politics at the grassroots level.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2019-07-04 |title=Udayanidhi Stalin appointed DMK youth wing secretary |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/udayanidhi-stalin-appointed-dmk-youth-wing-secretary/article28282578.ece |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Member of legislative assembly==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Election results of M. K. Stalin contesting as DMK candidate
|-
! Election
! Constituency
! Result
! Vote %
!Majority %
|-
|[[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1984 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Lost}}|| 47.94
| 2.50
|-
|[[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1989 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Won}}|| 50.59
|20.54
|-
|[[1991 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1991 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Lost}}|| 39.19
| 17.31
|-
|[[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1996 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Won}}|| 69.72
|46.76
|-
|[[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Won}}|| 51.41
|7.62
|-
|[[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Thousand Lights]]||{{Won}}|| 46.0
|2.28
|-
|[[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]||{{Won}}|| 47.7
|1.92
|-
|[[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]||{{Won}}|| 54.3
|22.42
|-
|[[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election]]||[[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]]||{{Won}}|| 60.86
|40.59
|-
|}
Stalin contested the Assembly polls unsuccessfully from [[Thousand Lights (state assembly constituency)|Thousand Lights constituency]] in Chennai. In 1989 Stalin contested Assembly polls from Thousand Lights constituency again, and won.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/stalin-files-nomination-papers-set-to-become-dmk-president/articleshow/65551094.cms | title=Stalin files nomination papers, set to become DMK president | publisher=[[The Economic Times]] | date=26 August 2018 | access-date=9 April 2021}}</ref> The DMK government got dismissed in 1991 before completing its full five-year term. In 1991, he contested for the third time from the same Assembly constituency, but lost to [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]] of the AIADMK. Again in 1996, Stalin won the election as an MLA from the Thousand Lights constituency.
 
In 2003, Stalin became Deputy General Secretary of the DMK.<ref name=":0" />
In 2011 Stalin changed his constituency for the first time in his political career, moving from Thousand Lights to [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]] constituency on the outskirts of Chennai city.<ref name="theweek.in"/>


=== Mayor of Chennai ===
=== Mayor of Chennai ===
Stalin became the city's first directly elected mayor in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chennaibest.com/discoverchennai/citylifestyle/interview01.asp |title=Towards Singara Chennai - Interview with the Mayor - www.chennaibest.com<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=18 November 2006 |archive-date=13 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313074247/http://www.chennaibest.com/discoverchennai/citylifestyle/interview01.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> He coined a pet project called ''Singara Chennai'' (Beautiful Chennai), lauded for improving Chennai's infrastructure.<ref name="theweek.in"/> His efforts in improving city infrastructure earned him the title of ''Managara Thanthai'' (father of the city).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-05|title=Tamil Nadu elections: Can MK Stalin finally break away from Karunanidhi's shadow?|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-elections-2021-can-mk-stalin-finally-break-away-from-karunanidhis-shadow/2227274/|access-date=2021-09-13|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>
Stalin became the [[Mayor of Chennai]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-administrator-witha-good-track-record/article24795862.ece |title=An administrator witha good track record |date=18 August 2018 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref> As mayor, he initiated the ''Singara Chennai'' (Beautiful Chennai) project to improve the city's infrastructure.<ref name="Week"/> He modernised the garbage disposal system by giving priority to cleaning works, and implemented development projects in areas such as health, public construction and schools. He built flyovers to address traffic congestion.<ref>{{cite news |title=M K Stalin: From a gritty teenage campaigner to mature DMK boss |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/m-k-stalin-from-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-dmk-boss/articleshow/65580876.cms?from=mdr |access-date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913175401/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/m-k-stalin-from-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-dmk-boss/articleshow/65580876.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> During his first tenure, nine major flyovers and 49 bridges were constructed at a cost of {{INRconvert |0.95 |b}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=The case of the flyovers |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30251255.ece |access-date=13 September 2021 |work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]] |date=6 July 2001 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913185035/https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30251255.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> He also worked on improving the standard of corporation-run schools to be on par with private schools.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=28 August 2018 |title=An administrator with a good track record |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-administrator-witha-good-track-record/article24795862.ece |access-date=13 September 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913173826/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-administrator-witha-good-track-record/article24795862.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NIE">{{cite web |title=Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/07/reaching-the-top-one-step-at-a-time-stalin-style-2299391.html |access-date=13 September 2021 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=7 May 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913180440/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/07/reaching-the-top-one-step-at-a-time-stalin-style-2299391.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Parks and fountains were set up at 18 major junctions, 81 parks were renovated, and saplings were planted at [[Marina Beach]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Raman |first=A. Ragu |title=Time to revive call for Singara Chennai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/time-to-revive-call-for-singara-chennai/articleshow/82698902.cms |access-date=13 September 2021 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 May 2021 |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914040800/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/time-to-revive-call-for-singara-chennai/articleshow/82698902.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> His efforts in improving city infrastructure earned him the title of ''Managara Thanthai'' (father of the city).<ref name="FE">{{cite web |date=5 April 2021 |title=Tamil Nadu elections: Can MK Stalin finally break away from Karunanidhi's shadow? |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-elections-2021-can-mk-stalin-finally-break-away-from-karunanidhis-shadow/2227274/ |access-date=13 September 2021 |work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927195236/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-elections-2021-can-mk-stalin-finally-break-away-from-karunanidhis-shadow/2227274/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


During his tenure as mayor, Stalin was well received by the people of [[Chennai]]. He modernized the garbage disposal system of [[Greater Chennai Corporation|the city of Chennai]] by giving priority to cleaning works. He implemented integrated development projects such as health, public construction and schools. He solved the congestion of the city of Chennai by building huge flyovers.<ref>{{cite news|title=M K Stalin: From a gritty teenage campaigner to mature DMK boss|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/m-k-stalin-from-a-gritty-teenage-campaigner-to-mature-dmk-boss/articleshow/65580876.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-09-13}}</ref> During his first tenure, 9 major flyovers and 49 short bridges were built. He also improved the standard of Corporation Schools to be on par with private schools.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kolappan|first=B.|date=2018-08-28|title=An administrator with a good track record|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-administrator-witha-good-track-record/article24795862.ece|access-date=2021-09-13|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In addition, parks and fountains were set up at 18 major junctions. 81 parks were cleaned and properly maintained.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Raman|first=A. Ragu|title=Time to revive call for Singara Chennai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/time-to-revive-call-for-singara-chennai/articleshow/82698902.cms|access-date=2021-09-13|website=The Times of India|date=17 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Saplings were planted at the Chennai [[Marina Beach|Marina]], the second largest beach in the world. The slaughterhouse at [[Perambur]] have been modernized to avoid polluting the environment. During his tenure, it was decided to build flyovers on 10 congested roads before the end of his term. ₹95 crores have been allocated for the construction of flyovers. However, 30% of the funds were left over when the flyovers were opened according to him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The case of the flyovers|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30251255.ece|access-date=2021-09-13|website=Frontline|date=6 July 2001 |language=en}}</ref> He was re-elected Mayor for the 2nd time in 2001.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/oct/23tn.htm| title = rediff.com: Stalin re-elected mayor of Madras}}</ref>
Stalin was re-elected Mayor for the second time in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/oct/23tn.htm |title= Stalin re-elected mayor of Madras |access-date=18 November 2006 |archive-date=14 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514071644/http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/oct/23tn.htm |work=[[Rediff]] |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, the chief minister [[J. Jayalalithaa]] enacted the Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws (Amendment) Act, which prevented a person from holding two elected posts in the government.<ref name="NIE" /> Because Stalin was an elected member of the legislative assembly, this law was widely seen as an attempt to remove him as Chennai's mayor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?art_Id=13690000 |title=Mayor's office slips out of Stalin's hand-Cities |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=18 November 2006 |archive-date=10 September 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040910222547/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?art_Id=13690000 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Madras High Court]] later struck down the law but held as per the City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, a person cannot be mayor for two consecutive terms, though unlike Stalin, earlier mayors were not directly elected.<ref name="FE" /> As a result, Stalin resigned from the post.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1020907/asp/nation/story_1176318.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030101200629/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1020907/asp/nation/story_1176318.asp |archive-date=1 January 2003 |work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] |title=Blow to Stalin and Jaya Act |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


However, the then Chief Minister [[J. Jayalalithaa]] enacted the Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws (Amendment) Act, in 2002, which prevents a person from holding two elected posts in the government.<ref name=":2" /> This law was applied retroactively to Stalin's case (he was an elected [[Thousand Lights]]  MLA) in a move widely seen as aimed at removing him as Chennai's mayor.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/articleshow?art_Id=13690000 Mayor's office slips out of Stalin's hand-Cities-The Times of India<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, the [[Madras High Court]] struck down the law stating that legislative bodies were not "prevented" from making laws affecting the "substantive rights" of persons retrospectively. However, the court held that under Madras (now Chennai) City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, a person cannot be mayor for two consecutive terms, though unlike Stalin, earlier mayors were not directly elected.<ref name=":4" /> MK Stalin did not appeal in the Supreme Court.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030101200629/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1020907/asp/nation/story_1176318.asp The Telegraph - Calcutta: Nation<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
=== Minister and deputy chief minister ===
The DMK regained control of the state assembly in the [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006 assembly elections]]. Stalin became the minister for rural development and local administration in the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]], and retained this office throughout his term. During his tenure, he expanded women's self-help groups across the state by establishing 175,493 new ones. He also established drinking water projects such as the Hogenakkal and Ramanathapuram water schemes.<ref name="TIE" /><ref name="NIE"/> In 2008, he became the DMK's treasurer.<ref name="NDTV" />


=== Minister ===
On 29 May 2009, the [[Governor of Tamil Nadu]] [[Surjit Singh Barnala]] appointed Stalin the state's deputy chief minister.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=256056 |title=Stalin named JP deputy CM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040331200719/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1 |archive-date=31 March 2004 |url-status=dead |access-date=31 May 2009 |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/karunanidhi-makes-stalin-deputy-chief-minister/article293666.ece |title=Karunanidhi makes Stalin Deputy Chief Minister |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921150745/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Karunanidhi-makes-Stalin-Deputy-Chief-Minister/article16605744.ece |archive-date=21 September 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/stalin-appointed-tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-48892-2009-05-28 |title=Stalin appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy CM |date=29 May 2009 |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=25 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425213030/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Stalin+appointed+Tamil+Nadu+Deputy+CM/1/44292.html |url-status=live |work=[[India Today]] }}</ref> During his tenure, on 23 February 2011, the Government of Tamil Nadu received a special award for the best state among the largest states in India, and the diamond state award for best state in civil safety, drinking water and sanitation, and women's development.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tamil Nadu & Himachal Pradesh win top honours at IBN7 Diamond States Awards |url=https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/47946_tamil-nadu--himachal-pradesh-win-top-honours-at-ibn7-diamond-states-awards |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=Afaqs |date=23 February 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113652/https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/47946_tamil-nadu--himachal-pradesh-win-top-honours-at-ibn7-diamond-states-awards |url-status=live }}</ref> The state also won the most number of Nirmal Gram Awards for its exceptional role in maintaining sanitation in villages during Stalin's tenure as the minister of rural development.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trichi in TN bags highest number of Nirmal Gram Awards |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/07/trichi-in-tn-bags-highest-number-of-nirmal-gram-awards-5138.html |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113651/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/07/trichi-in-tn-bags-highest-number-of-nirmal-gram-awards-5138.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the 2006 Assembly Elections, the DMK regained control of the state assembly, partly due to Stalin's efforts. Stalin became the Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration in the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] and retained this office throughout his term. During his tenure, he developed his skills as an administrator, he was instrumental in the extensive spread of Women Self-Help Groups across the State by establishing 1,75,493 Women SHGs. He also established various comprehensive drinking water projects such as Hogenakkal and Ramanathapuram water schemes.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/may/07/reaching-the-top-one-step-at-a-time-stalin-style-2299391.html|access-date=2021-09-13|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> In 2008, he became treasurer of DMK.<ref name=":0" />


=== Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu ===
=== Opposition leader and DMK president ===
On 29 May 2009, Stalin was nominated as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by Governor [[Surjit Singh Barnala]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1&theme=&usrsess=1&id=256056|title=Stalin named JP deputy CM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040331200719/http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=1|archive-date=31 March 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> He was first Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
In 2013, Karunanidhi announced Stalin as his successor to head the DMK and confirmed it in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/politics/national/stalin-is-my-successor-announces-karunanidhi-7513.html |title=Stalin is my successor |date=3 January 2013 |work=India TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DMK chief Karunanidhi names younger son Stalin as his political heir |date=20 October 2016 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/dmk-chief-karunanidhi-names-younger-son-stalin-as-his-political-heir/story-jcIM6BWJ5rMIPwCFhUpdvO.html |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Ahead of the [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], Stalin went on a statewide tour titled ''Namakku Naame''. He won the [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]] constituency and was appointed opposition leader in the state legislative assembly.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aiadmk-sees-namakku-naame-as-a-vain-exercise/article7839682.ece |title=AIADMK sees 'Namakku Naame' as a vain exercise |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Deepa H. |date=4 November 2015 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 August 2019 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025648/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aiadmk-sees-namakku-naame-as-a-vain-exercise/article7839682.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Stalin went on another ''Namakku Naame'' tour.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-plans-another-namakku-naame-tour/article19891275.ece |title=Stalin plans another 'Namakku Naame' tour |date=20 October 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=11 August 2019 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025700/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-plans-another-namakku-naame-tour/article19891275.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> He was appointed as working president in January 2017 when the health of his father, Karunanidhi, started declining. In 2018, Karunanidhi died and Stalin became president of the DMK.<ref name="TIE" />


=== Opposition leader ===
Stalin formed the [[Secular Progressive Alliance]] in Tamil Nadu and led the alliance in the state in the [[2019 Indian general election]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/secular-progressive-alliance-will-romp-home-in-lok-sabha-polls-119033100605_1.html |title=Secular Progressive Alliance will romp home in Lok Sabha polls |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=31 March 2019 |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160114/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/secular-progressive-alliance-will-romp-home-in-lok-sabha-polls-119033100605_1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-dmk-alliance-announces-constituencies-calls-it-secular-progressive-alliance-2008378 |title=DMK Alliance Announces Constituencies, Calls It Secular Progressive Alliance |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=11 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811221116/https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-dmk-alliance-announces-constituencies-calls-it-secular-progressive-alliance-2008378 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Secular Progressive Alliance won 39 out of 40 Parliament seats, and 12 out of 21 in the assembly by-elections, in the party's first victory since Stalin took charge as the DMK's president.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-wins-big-but-gains-little/articleshow/69472678.cms |title=M K Stalin wins big but gains little in Tamil Nadu |date=24 May 2019 |first=D. |last=Govardan |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301133828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-wins-big-but-gains-little/articleshow/69472678.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-results-2019-mk-stalin-on-dmk-victory-in-tamil-nadu-amazed-north-united-south-astounded-ind-2046617 |title="Amazed North, United South, Astounded India": MK Stalin On DMK Poll Wins |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224174019/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-results-2019-mk-stalin-on-dmk-victory-in-tamil-nadu-amazed-north-united-south-astounded-ind-2046617 |url-status=live}}</ref>
During the 2016 Assembly election, Stalin went on a statewide tour titled ''Namakku Naame'' to appeal to the youth. Stalin won the [[Kolathur (state assembly constituency)|Kolathur]] constituency and was appointed as the opposition leader.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/aiadmk-sees-namakku-naame-as-a-vain-exercise/article7839682.ece|title=AIADMK sees 'Namakku Naame' as a vain exercise|last=Ramakrishnan|first=Deepa H.|date=2015-11-04|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-11|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 2017, Stalin went on another ''Namakku Naame'' tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-plans-another-namakku-naame-tour/article19891275.ece|title=Stalin plans another 'Namakku Naame' tour|date=2017-10-20|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-08-11|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 2018, his father Karunanidhi died, leaving Stalin the president of the DMK.<ref name=":1" />


[[File:M.K. Stalin and Sedapatti Muthiah.jpg|thumb|right|250px| M. K. Stalin and Sedapatti Muthiah in 2018]]
=== Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu ===
{{further|Chief Ministership of M. K. Stalin|M. K. Stalin ministry}}


=== Secular Progressive Alliance (2019 general election – present)  ===
Stalin led the campaign for the Secular Progressive Alliance in the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 Assembly elections]]; it won 159 seats out of the 234, with the DMK winning 133 seats, an absolute majority.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tamil Nadu 2021 |url=https://www.indiavotes.com/vidhan-sabha/2021/tamil-nadu/283/www.indiavotes.com/vidhan-sabha/2021/tamil-nadu/283/40 |access-date=11 September 2025 |work=India Votes}}</ref> He was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on 7 May 2021, along with the rest of his [[M. K. Stalin ministry|cabinet]].<ref>{{cite news|date=2 May 2021|title=DMK chief MK Stalin wins Kolathur comfortably|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-wins-kolathur-comfortably-148174|access-date=13 September 2021|work=[[The News Minute]]|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913185403/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-wins-kolathur-comfortably-148174|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MK Stalin, DMK Chief, Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalin-dmk-chief-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-2436771|access-date=7 May 2021|work=[[NDTV]]|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507054957/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalin-dmk-chief-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-2436771|url-status=live}}</ref> He also served as a member of the [[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Business Advisory Committee|business advisory committee]] and [[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Committee on Rules|committee on rules]] in the [[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Committees|16th Tamil Nadu assembly]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Members of the Standing Committees of the House (2021-2022) |url=https://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/16thassembly/standing_committees.php |work=[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=12 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312035152/https://assembly.tn.gov.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Stalin formed the [[Secular Progressive Alliance]] in Tamil Nadu and led the alliance in 2019 general election in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/secular-progressive-alliance-will-romp-home-in-lok-sabha-polls-119033100605_1.html|title=Secular Progressive Alliance will romp home in Lok Sabha polls|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-03-31|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-dmk-alliance-announces-constituencies-calls-it-secular-progressive-alliance-2008378|title=DMK Alliance Announces Constituencies, Calls It Secular Progressive Alliance|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref> The Secular Progressive Alliance won 39 out of 40 Parliament seats, and 12 out of 21 in the Assembly by-election, with 52% of the vote. It was his first victory since taking charge as DMK President.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-wins-big-but-gains-little/articleshow/69472678.cms|title=M K Stalin wins big but gains little in Tamil Nadu |date=May 24, 2019|first=D.|last=Govardan|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/election-results-2019-mk-stalin-on-dmk-victory-in-tamil-nadu-amazed-north-united-south-astounded-ind-2046617|title="Amazed North, United South, Astounded India": MK Stalin On DMK Poll Wins|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref>


=== Ondrinaivom Vaa ===
After assuming office, Stalin implemented policies offering {{INRconvert|4000}} as one time [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] relief to 20.7 million [[ration card]] holders across the state, free bus pass for travel in ordinary intra-city buses for women and reducing the retail price of [[Aavin]] milk.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rs 2,000 as COVID time relief, cut in milk price - Stalin issues 1st set of orders after taking oath as TN CM |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/india/tamil-nadu/article/rs-2000-as-covid-time-relief-cut-in-milk-price-stalin-issues-1st-set-of-orders-after-taking-oath-as-tn-cm/754066 |access-date=2 March 2026 |work=[[Times Now]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=COVID-19 relief: Tokens for financial assistance by May 10 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/covid-19-relief-tokens-for-financial-assistance-by-may-10/article34513310.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508092322/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/covid-19-relief-tokens-for-financial-assistance-by-may-10/article34513310.ece |archive-date=8 May 2021 |access-date=2 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-cm-stalin-begins-first-innings-with-sops-for-corona-affected-women/article34505148.ece|title=TN CM Stalin begins first innings with benefits for Corona-affected, women|date=7 May 2021|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> However, the Tamil Nadu Milk Producers Association claimed that the decision to reduce the retail milk prices caused a significant financial loss to Aavin,<ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2025 |title=Aavin suffered ₹525-crore loss in 2024-25, says Milk Producers' Association |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/aavin-suffered-525-crore-loss-in-2024-25-says-milk-producers-association/article70406757.ece |access-date=28 February 2026 }}</ref> and urging the chief minister to increase the milk procurement rates.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 February 2026 |title=Losing Rs 1.25 for each litre of milk supplied to Aavin, increase price, say farmers |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Feb/04/losing-rs-125-for-each-litre-of-milk-supplied-to-aavin-increase-price-say-farmers |access-date=28 February 2026 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] }}</ref> He established a new economic advisory council that included economists [[Arvind Subramanian]], [[Esther Duflo]], [[Jean Drèze]], [[Raghuram Rajan]], and S Narayan.<ref>{{cite web|date=21 June 2021|title=Tamil Nadu: Duflo, Rajan, Dreze Among 5-Member Economic Advisory Council to CM Stalin|url=https://www.newsclick.in/Tamil-Nadu-Dufflo-Rajan-Dreze-5-Member-Economic-Advisory-Council-CM-Stalin|access-date=15 August 2021|work=News Click|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815182115/https://www.newsclick.in/Tamil-Nadu-Dufflo-Rajan-Dreze-5-Member-Economic-Advisory-Council-CM-Stalin|url-status=live}}</ref>
The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the lockdown inflicted immense misery and suffering on people of Tamil Nadu in 2020. Stalin and members from the DMK party undertook relief measures across Tamil Nadu from Day 1 to help those in need of basic essentials.<ref>{{Cite web |author=B. Sivakumar|date=May 30, 2020 |title=DMK's Ondrinaivom Vaa initiative has benefited more than one crore people, Stalin says {{!}} Chennai News – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dmks-ondrinaivom-vaa-initiative-has-benefited-more-than-one-crore-people-stalin-says/articleshow/76108022.cms |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>


Owing to the scale of the suffering in the State, Stalin called upon his cadres and ministers to come together as one, and Ondrinaivom Vaa was born out of this vision. The campaign was officially launched in 20 April 2020 where he set up a helpline as a single point of contact for anyone in need in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-04-20 |title=Stalin launches helpline, website |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/stalin-launches-helpline-website/article31392242.ece |access-date=2022-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
During the second wave of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu|COVID-19 pandemic]] in August 2021, Stalin established a war room to monitor the status of beds, ambulances, and oxygen supply.<ref>{{cite news|date=15 May 2021|title=When the Tamil Nadu CM Stalin answered an SOS call at the COVID-19 war room|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/when-the-tn-cm-answered-an-sos-call-at-the-covid-19-war-room/article34564181.ece|access-date=15 August 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815182115/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/when-the-tn-cm-answered-an-sos-call-at-the-covid-19-war-room/article34564181.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> He visited the [[Employees' State Insurance|ESI]] medical college hospital against expert advice to meet up with patients getting treatment for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web|title="To Reassure Doctors, Patients": MK Stalin Enters Covid Wards In PPE Suit|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/mk-stalin-enters-covid-wards-in-ppe-suit-to-reassure-doctors-patients-2452427|access-date=15 August 2021|work=[[NDTV]]|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815182114/https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/mk-stalin-enters-covid-wards-in-ppe-suit-to-reassure-doctors-patients-2452427|url-status=live}}</ref> The state had the lowest percentage of wastage of [[COVID-19 vaccine]]s during the free public administration of the same.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 August 2021|title=Announcements & Achievements In Stalin's 100 days As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister|url=https://news.abplive.com/tamil-nadu/100-days-of-stalin-as-tamil-nadu-cm-important-announcements-and-achievements-1476147|access-date=15 August 2021|work=[[ABP News]]|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815183133/https://news.abplive.com/tamil-nadu/100-days-of-stalin-as-tamil-nadu-cm-important-announcements-and-achievements-1476147|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 September 2021, actor and politician [[Chiranjeevi]] met with Stalin to commend him on governance efficacy, and stated that Stalin had proved his mettle in handling the pandemic.<ref>{{citation |title=Special Story On Tamilnadu CM MK Stalin Native Place {{!}} Andhra Pradesh {{!}} ABN Telugu | date=9 May 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaHVJD3JOc |access-date=11 October 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113650/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaHVJD3JOc |url-status=live }}</ref>


The Helpline received over 18 lakh calls in 40 days, and the cadres, ministers efficiently tended to the requests to ensure timely delivery of services. Stalin through 'Ondrinaivom Vaa' also launched the campaign 'Feed the Poor' where NGO partners in collaboration with the Kitchen partners served over 28 lakh cooked meals.<ref>{{Cite web |title='What did Opposition do?': Here are some notable efforts by Congress, Left, other parties to help people during the pandemic |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2020/jun/10/what-did-opposition-do-here-are-some-notable-efforts-by-congress-left-other-parties-to-help-pe-102891.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rohit |first=T. k |date=2020-06-10 |title=Anbazhagan: An organiser who minced no words |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/anbazhagan-an-organiser-who-minced-no-words/article31799736.ece |access-date=2022-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Stalin released the state's first ever standalone agricultural budget on 14 August 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 August 2021 |title=DMK government presents Tamil Nadu's first agriculture Budget |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/dmk-government-presents-tamil-nadu-s-first-agriculture-budget-1019687.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010143846/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/dmk-government-presents-tamil-nadu-s-first-agriculture-budget-1019687.html |archive-date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> Later in the day, he handed appointment orders from the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] to trained aspirants of all castes as temple priests in August 2021,<ref>{{cite news|date=14 August 2021|title=DMK govt appoints trained aspirants of all castes as temple priests in Tamil Nadu|url=https://theprint.in/india/dmk-govt-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-temple-priests-in-tamil-nadu/715315/|access-date=15 August 2021|work=[[ThePrint]]|language=en-US|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815184517/https://theprint.in/india/dmk-govt-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-temple-priests-in-tamil-nadu/715315/|url-status=live}}</ref> quoting that [[Periyar]] fought for equal rights in worship for all believers in God.<ref>{{cite news|title=DMK govt in Tamil Nadu appoints trained aspirants of all castes as priests in temples|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dmk-govt-in-tamil-nadu-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-priests-in-temples-1840952-2021-08-15|access-date=15 August 2021|work=[[India Today]]|date=15 August 2021|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815190620/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dmk-govt-in-tamil-nadu-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-priests-in-temples-1840952-2021-08-15|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 August 2021, he announced that the name of refugee camps of [[Sri Lankan Tamils in India|Sri Lankan Tamils]] would be changed to rehabilitation camps.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nath|first=Akshaya|title=Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee camps to now be called 'rehabilitation camps': MK Stalin|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sri-lankan-tamil-refugee-camps-now-rehabilitation-camps-mk-stalin-1846601-2021-08-29|access-date=17 September 2021|work=[[India Today]]|date=29 August 2021 |language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829083328/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sri-lankan-tamil-refugee-camps-now-rehabilitation-camps-mk-stalin-1846601-2021-08-29|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu ==
In September 2021, Stalin announced Periyar's birthday would be celebrated annually as a 'Social Justice day'.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu To Celebrate Periyar's Birthday As 'Social Justice Day', Says CM Stalin|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-tamil-nadu-to-celebrate-periyars-birthday-as-social-justice-day-says-cm-stalin/393750|access-date=17 September 2021|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=6 September 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917162950/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-tamil-nadu-to-celebrate-periyars-birthday-as-social-justice-day-says-cm-stalin/393750|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the month, his government withdrew over 5,570 legal cases filed by the previous government in the past ten years including cases against some journalists and those who were involved in protests against the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest|new farm laws]] and the [[Citizenship Amendment Act]] promulgated by the union government, and various government projects such as [[Kaveri delta coal-bed methane project]], [[India-based Neutrino Observatory]], [[Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant]], and Chennai-Salem expressway ([[:ta:சென்னை சேலம் புதிய விரைவுச் சாலை|ta]]).<ref>{{cite news|date=17 September 2021|title=Tamil Nadu withdraws over 5000 cases against protesters of CAA, farm laws|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-withdraws-over-5000-cases-against-protesters-caa-farm-laws-155398|access-date=17 September 2021|work=[[The News Minute]]|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917161444/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-withdraws-over-5000-cases-against-protesters-caa-farm-laws-155398|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=17 September 2021|title=Tamil Nadu govt withdraws 5,570 cases filed against protestors since 2011|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-govt-withdraws-5-570-cases-filed-against-protestors-since-2011-101631894425996.html|access-date=17 September 2021|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917161448/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-govt-withdraws-5-570-cases-filed-against-protestors-since-2011-101631894425996.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the month, the [[Madras High Court]] commended Stalin for his decision to distribute school bags printed with the photos of his predecessor, and not reprinting them.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 September 2021|title=Madras high court slams use of CM photos on school bags & stationery |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-high-court-slams-use-of-cm-photos-on-school-bags-stationery/articleshow/86025415.cms|access-date=19 November 2025|work=[[The Times of India]]|issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Santosh|last=Kumar|title=Tamil Nadu: M.K. Stalin decides to forego popularity 'privilege'|work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=4 September 2021|access-date=1 June 2025|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/tamil-nadu-m-k-stalin-decides-to-forego-popularity-priviledge/cid/1829299}}</ref> On 18 November 2021, Stalin announced that the state government will bear the expenses of emergency care for all vehicle accident victims for the first 48 hours.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 December 2021 |title=Assembly Speaker M. Appavu inaugurates 'Nammai Kaakkum 48' scheme in Tirunelveli |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/assembly-speaker-m-appavu-inaugurates-nammai-kaakkum-48-scheme-in-tirunelveli/article37986238.ece |access-date=10 October 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010143842/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/assembly-speaker-m-appavu-inaugurates-nammai-kaakkum-48-scheme-in-tirunelveli/article37986238.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2021, he unveiled a real-time dashboard, which provided relevant information from all the government departments to the chief minister.<ref>{{cite web |last=Menon |first=Amarnath K. |date=29 December 2021 |title=Why 2022 will be a challenging year for M.K. Stalin |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-2022-will-be-a-challenging-year-for-m-k-stalin-1893875-2021-12-29 |access-date=19 November 2025 |work=[[India Today]] }}</ref>
{{see also|M. K. Stalin ministry}}
In the [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021 Assembly elections]], Stalin led the campaign for the [[Secular Progressive Alliance]]. They won 159 seats out of 234, with the DMK itself winning an absolute majority with 132 seats. Stalin took his oath as chief minister on 7 May 2021 along with the rest of his [[M. K. Stalin ministry|cabinet]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-02|title=DMK chief MK Stalin wins Kolathur comfortably|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/dmk-chief-mk-stalin-wins-kolathur-comfortably-148174|access-date=2021-09-13|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=MK Stalin, DMK Chief, Takes Oath As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mk-stalin-dmk-chief-takes-oath-as-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-2436771|access-date=2021-05-07|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>


Having taken oath amid the second wave of the pandemic, Stalin started a war room to monitor the status of beds, ambulances, and oxygen supply. He attended an SOS call of a lady, spoke with her for 30 minutes, and arranged for her a bed at a hospital.<ref>{{cite news|date=2021-05-15|title=When the Tamil Nadu CM Stalin answered an SOS call at the COVID-19 war room|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/when-the-tn-cm-answered-an-sos-call-at-the-covid-19-war-room/article34564181.ece|access-date=2021-08-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He wore a [[PPE gowns|PPE suit]] and visited the COVID-19 patients at their wards "against advice" in Government ESI Medical College Hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|title="To Reassure Doctors, Patients": MK Stalin Enters Covid Wards In PPE Suit|url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/mk-stalin-enters-covid-wards-in-ppe-suit-to-reassure-doctors-patients-2452427|access-date=2021-08-15|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> A new economic advisory council was set up with leading economists, including [[Esther Duflo]], [[Raghuram Rajan]], [[Jean Drèze]], [[Arvind Subramanian]], and former Finance Secretary S Narayan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-21|title=Tamil Nadu: Duflo, Rajan, Dreze Among 5-Member Economic Advisory Council to CM Stalin|url=https://www.newsclick.in/Tamil-Nadu-Dufflo-Rajan-Dreze-5-Member-Economic-Advisory-Council-CM-Stalin|access-date=2021-08-15|website=NewsClick|language=en}}</ref> Tamil Nadu was branded as a state with highest novel coronavirus vaccine wastage in the previous government but the Stalin government made the state to top in the list of states with lowest COVID-19 wastage policy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-14|title=Announcements & Achievements In Stalin's 100 days As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister|url=https://news.abplive.com/tamil-nadu/100-days-of-stalin-as-tamil-nadu-cm-important-announcements-and-achievements-1476147|access-date=2021-08-15|website=news.abplive.com|language=en}}</ref>
In March 2022, Stalin launched the 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme aimed at providing psychological counselling and medical advice to school students.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 March 2022 |title=Tamil Nadu Chief Minister inaugurates 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme for students |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-inaugurates-naan-mudhalvan-scheme-for-students/article65143960.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010143844/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-inaugurates-naan-mudhalvan-scheme-for-students/article65143960.ece |archive-date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In May 2022, he welcomed the release of [[A. G. Perarivalan]], who was convicted for the [[assassination of Rajiv Gandhi|assassination]] of former [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] [[Rajiv Gandhi]].<ref>{{cite news|date=20 May 2022|title=Tamil Nadu CM hugs Perarivalan on his release, Congress miffed|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-cm-hugs-perarivalan-his-release-congress-miffed-164197|work=[[The News Minute]]|language=en|access-date=21 May 2022|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520141033/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-cm-hugs-perarivalan-his-release-congress-miffed-164197|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=19 May 2022|title=Congress sad, ally DMK hails Rajiv assassination convict release order|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-sad-ally-dmk-hails-rajiv-assassination-convict-release-order/cid/1865761|website=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=21 May 2022|archive-date=21 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521145502/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-sad-ally-dmk-hails-rajiv-assassination-convict-release-order/cid/1865761|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=18 May 2022|title=Stalin meets Perarivalan, Arputhammal, shares picture|url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2022/05/18/stalin-meets-perarivalan-arputhammal-shares-picture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518140211/https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2022/05/18/stalin-meets-perarivalan-arputhammal-shares-picture|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 May 2022|work=[[DT Next]]}}</ref> On 5 September 2022, he launched a women education support programme titled 'Pudhumai Penn', which offered a monthly stipend of {{INRconvert|1000}} to girls who had completed their schooling in state government schools during their graduation or diploma.<ref>{{cite news |date=5 September 2022 |title=Pudhumai Penn scheme launch in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pudhumai-penn-scheme-launch-chief-ministers-stalin-kejriwal-share-dais/article65852744.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003134445/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pudhumai-penn-scheme-launch-chief-ministers-stalin-kejriwal-share-dais/article65852744.ece |archive-date=3 October 2022 |access-date=3 October 2022 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The same was extended to boys later under the name of 'Tamil Pudhalavan' scheme on 14 June 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 August 2024 |title=CM Stalin to launch Tamil Pudhalvan scheme to benefit boys of government schools |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/cm-stalin-to-launch-tamil-pudhalvan-scheme-to-benefit-boys-of-government-schools/article68502602.ece |access-date=1 June 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 15 September 2022, his government extended the [[midday meal scheme]] in government schools to cover breakfast.<ref>{{cite web |last=Menon |first=Amarnath K. |date=20 September 2022 |title=Why the Stalin government's 'Breakfast Scheme' for schoolchildren is an inspiring model |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-the-stalin-government-s-breakfast-scheme-for-schoolchildren-is-an-inspiring-model-2002491-2022-09-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003152923/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-the-stalin-government-s-breakfast-scheme-for-schoolchildren-is-an-inspiring-model-2002491-2022-09-20 |archive-date=3 October 2022 |access-date=3 October 2022 |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> Later in the month, he launched the Green Tamil Nadu Mission aimed at increasing the green cover in the state from 23.7% to 33% in the next ten years.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 September 2022 |title=CM MK Stalin launches Green TN Mission, urges people to join hands |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/cm-mk-stalin-launches-green-tn-mission-urges-people-to-join-hands-122092400642_1.html |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[Business Standard]] |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113650/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/cm-mk-stalin-launches-green-tn-mission-urges-people-to-join-hands-122092400642_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Stalin handed over appointment orders of the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department|HR & CE Department]] to trained aspirants of all castes as temple priests in August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-14|title=DMK govt appoints trained aspirants of all castes as temple priests in Tamil Nadu|url=https://theprint.in/india/dmk-govt-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-temple-priests-in-tamil-nadu/715315/|access-date=2021-08-15|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> Stalin quoted the reformist leader [[Thanthai Periyar|Periyar]] in an official release which said Periyar fought for equal rights in worship for all those who believe in God.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DMK govt in Tamil Nadu appoints trained aspirants of all castes as priests in temples|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dmk-govt-in-tamil-nadu-appoints-trained-aspirants-of-all-castes-as-priests-in-temples-1840952-2021-08-15|access-date=2021-08-15|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> In August 2021, Stalin ranked first among all Chief ministers of India with 42% in favour, in the "Mood of the Nation" survey done by the [[India Today|India Today magazine]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Support for Modi as 'Best Choice for PM' Falls from 66% to 24% in a Year, India Today Poll Finds|url=https://thewire.in/government/narendra-modi-prime-minister-adityanath-india-today-poll|access-date=2021-08-17|website=The Wire}}</ref> Stalin changed the name of [[Sri Lankan Tamils in India|Sri Lankan Tamil refugee camps]] to called ‘rehabilitation camps' and said "They are not orphans, we are there for them".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nath|first=Akshaya|title=Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee camps to now be called 'rehabilitation camps': MK Stalin|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sri-lankan-tamil-refugee-camps-now-rehabilitation-camps-mk-stalin-1846601-2021-08-29|access-date=2021-09-17|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
In September 2023, Stalin launched a women's welfare scheme titled 'Magalir Urimai Thittam', which provided a stipend of {{INRconvert|1000}} per month to all women aged 21 years and above, provided their annual household income is less than {{INRconvert|0.25|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 September 2023 |title=Tamil Nadu CM Stalin launches Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam in Kancheepuram |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-launches-kalaignar-magalir-urimai-thittam-in-kancheepuram/article67310529.ece |access-date=1 June 2025 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Following the announcement earlier in 2021 that the state government planned to establish [[TIDEL Park|TIDEL neo Park]]s, information technology parks, at various places across Tamil Nadu, the first such park was opened in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Neo-Tidel Parks to come up in tier-2 and tier-3 Tamil Nadu cities, says CM Stalin |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/neo-tidel-parks-to-come-up-in-tier-2-and-tier-3-tamil-nadu-cities-says-cm/article37645367.ece |access-date=1 June 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 September 2024 |title=Stalin opens Neo Tidel Parks in Thanjavur, Salem |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalin-opens-neo-tidel-parks-in-thanjavur-salem/articleshow/113602395.cms |access-date=1 June 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 4 August 2025, Stalin inaugurated the [[Vietnam]]ese electric vehicle [[VinFast]] manufacturing plant at [[Thoothukudi]], with an investment of US$2 billion (₹16,000 crore) and the creation of over 3,500 jobs within five years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parthasarathy |first=Anirudh |date=2025-08-04 |title=VinFast's first EV manufacturing plant in India inaugurated in Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-inaugurates-india-first-vinfast-ev-manufacturing-plant-in-thoothukudi/article69892600.ece |access-date=2026-03-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In December 2025, the state reported a nominal [[Gross State Domestic Product of Indian states|Gross State Domestic Product]] of {{INRconvert|319|b}} at current prices for the financial year 2024–25, registering a 16% y-o-y growth.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2025 |title=Robust fiscal management, visionary leadership drive T.N.'s economic growth: Thangam Thennarasu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/robust-fiscal-management-visionary-leadership-drive-tns-economic-growth-thangam-thennarasu/article70406555.ece |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The real GSDP grew by 11.19%, the first time in 14 years that it had increased by more than ten percent.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=T. |date=5 August 2025 |title=After 14 years, Tamil Nadu records double-digit economic growth in real terms |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/after-14-years-tamil-nadu-records-double-digit-growth-in-real-terms/article69897160.ece |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In February 2026, the Tamil Nadu economic survey projected that the state can become a US$1 trillion economy by 2031,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-economic-survey-2026-trillion-dollar-economy-achievable/article70637496.ece|title=Tamil Nadu Economic Survey says trillion-dollar economy achievable at current growth rate|date=16 February 2026|access-date=1 March 2026|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> in line with the state government's vision 2030.<ref>{{cite news |title=Our aim is to make Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy, says Stalin |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/our-aim-is-to-make-tamil-nadu-a-1-trillion-economy-says-stalin/article35437688.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724023458/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/our-aim-is-to-make-tamil-nadu-a-1-trillion-economy-says-stalin/article35437688.ece |archive-date=24 July 2025 |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
In September 2021, he announced that Periyar's birth anniversary will be celebrated as Social Justice Day every year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tamil Nadu To Celebrate Periyar's Birthday As 'Social Justice Day', Says CM Stalin|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-tamil-nadu-to-celebrate-periyars-birthday-as-social-justice-day-says-cm-stalin/393750|access-date=2021-09-17|website=www.outlookindia.com}}</ref>


In June 2021, Stalin announced that the state law ministry will review the legal cases filed by the previous government. In September 2021, Stalin's government withdrew over 5570 legal cases filed by the previous AIADMK government from the past 10 years against the journalists and the [[2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest|protestors seeking the repeal of the three farm laws]] promulgated by the Union government, [[Citizenship Amendment Act]], methane extraction, neutrino project, [[Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant]] and the [[Chennai]]-[[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] Expressway project.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-17|title=Tamil Nadu withdraws over 5000 cases against protesters of CAA, farm laws|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-withdraws-over-5000-cases-against-protesters-caa-farm-laws-155398|access-date=2021-09-17|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-17|title=Tamil Nadu govt withdraws 5,570 cases filed against protestors since 2011|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-govt-withdraws-5-570-cases-filed-against-protestors-since-2011-101631894425996.html|access-date=2021-09-17|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
On 5 January 2026, the state government announced the re-launch of free laptop distribution scheme for state-run college students, which had been discontinued during the previous government.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 January 2026 |title=TN CM Stalin launches laptop scheme for college students |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/news/tn-cm-stalin-launches-laptop-scheme-for-college-students-101767670689155.html |access-date=6 January 2026 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> As per the 2021 Manifesto proposed by Stalin and following protests from state government employees to restore the [[Old Pension Scheme]], which was discontinued in 2003, the government announced the introduction of a new assured pension scheme in January 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramakrishnan |first=T. |date=3 January 2026 |title=Tamil Nadu's new pension scheme broadly follows the guidelines of Old Pension Scheme |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-governments-new-pension-scheme-broadly-follows-the-guidelines-of-old-pension-scheme/article70468074.ece |access-date=5 January 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 2026 |title=Tamil Nadu, a pioneer in pension reforms two decades back, now reverses course |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/tamil-nadu-taps-pension-reforms-10462466/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108135128/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/tamil-nadu-taps-pension-reforms-10462466/ |archive-date=8 January 2026 |access-date=1 March 2026 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> On 9 February 2026, Stalin inaugurated a [[Tata Motors]] and [[Jaguar Land Rover]] multi-energy vehicle plant in [[Ranipet]], built at a cost of approximately US$1.1 billion (₹9,000 crore).<ref>{{cite news |date=9 February 2026 |title=Tata Motors opens ₹9,000-crore Jaguar Land Rover car manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu's Ranipet |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tata-motors-opens-9000-crore-jlr-car-manufacturing-plant-in-ranipet/article70610183.ece |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


In May 2022, Stalin hailed the release of [[A. G. Perarivalan|Perarivalan]], convicted in the [[assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]], and hugged him on his visit of gratitude at the [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-20|title=Tamil Nadu CM hugs Perarivalan on his release, Congress miffed|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tamil-nadu-cm-hugs-perarivalan-his-release-congress-miffed-164197|website=[[The News Minute]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-19|title=Congress sad, ally DMK hails Rajiv assassination convict release order|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-sad-ally-dmk-hails-rajiv-assassination-convict-release-order/cid/1865761|website=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-18|title=Stalin meets Perarivalan, Arputhammal, shares picture|url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2022/05/18/stalin-meets-perarivalan-arputhammal-shares-picture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518140211/https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2022/05/18/stalin-meets-perarivalan-arputhammal-shares-picture|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 May 2022|website=[[DT Next]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-19|title=பேரறிவாளனை கட்டியணைத்த "தமிழக முதல்வர்!" கடுகடுக்கும் கதர்கள்! கருணாநிதி பாணியில் களமாடும் ஸ்டாலின்?|url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/chennai/why-tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-hug-perarivalan-will-he-take-stand-as-like-as-karunanidhi-458875.html|website=oneindia tamil}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-05-18|title=MK Stalin Meets Perarivalan; Says TN Govt's Right Upheld By SC Ruling|url=https://indiaaheadnews.com/tamil-nadu/mk-stalin-meets-perarivalan-says-tn-govts-right-upheld-by-sc-ruling-204997/|website=[[India Ahead]]|language=en}}</ref>
In April 2026, the union government introduced a [[constitutional amendment]] bill to implement a reservation of one third of seats in the Indian parliament and state legislative assemblies to women based on the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]] rather than the 2027 census, increase the number of seats in the [[Lok Sabha]] from 543 to 850 seats, and carry out a new delimitation of electoral constituencies.<ref name="Delim">{{cite web |last=R |first=Rangarajan |date=20 April 2026 |title=On delimitation and Parliament seats {{!}} Explained |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/on-delimitation-and-parliament-seats-explained/article70880712.ece |access-date=20 April 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Stalin opposed the proposed amendment and called for protests, stating that it would reduce the representation of southern states in parliament due to their comparatively lower population growth compared to the northern states.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 April 2026 |title=Delimitation issue: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin calls for hoisting black flag in houses, public places on April 16 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/delimitation-tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-calls-for-hoisting-black-flag-in-houses-public-places-on-april-16-2026/article70864341.ece |access-date=20 April 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 April 2026 |title=Stalin warns of massive protests against delimitation; Revanth calls for united southern front |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/will-not-remain-silent-tn-cm-stalin-warns-of-massive-protest-against-delimitation/article70860568.ece |access-date=20 April 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> However, while the union government verbally proposed a guarantee of 50% pro-rata increase uniformly for all states,<ref name="Delim"/> which would have marginally improved the proportion of representation of southern states,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-south-india-lose-seats-after-delimitation-the-maths-explained-amit-shah-women-quota-reservation-bill-lok-sabha-101776397882990.html|title=Will South India lose Lok Sabha seats after delimitation? The math explained|date=17 April 2026|access-date=20 April 2026|work=[[The Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> the opposition protested the failure to include such terms in the original draft, and the coupling of women's reservation with the delimitation bill,<ref name="Delim"/> and the bill was subsequently defeated in the Lok Sabha on 17 April 2026.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Sreeparna Chakrabarty |author2=Sobhana K. Nair |date=17 April 2026 |title=Constitution Amendment Bill, part of delimitation package, defeated |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/united-opposition-defeats-constitutional-amendment-bill-for-womens-quota/article70874431.ece |access-date=20 April 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> For 2025–26, the real GSDP real economy growth rate was reported at 10.83% per the data released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-04-28 |title=Tamil Nadu does it again with double-digit economic growth |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-does-it-again-with-double-digit-economic-growth/article70913645.ece |access-date=2026-04-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


;[[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Committees|Committee assignments of 16th Tamil Nadu Assembly]]<ref name="TN Committee 2021-2022">{{cite web |title=Members of the Standing Committees of the House (2021-2022) |url=https://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/16thassembly/standing_committees.php |website=Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=14 Jun 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312035152/https://assembly.tn.gov.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Electoral performance===
*Member (2021–23) [[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Business Advisory Committee|Business Advisory Committee]]
Stalin unsuccessfully contested the [[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]], standing for the [[Thousand Lights (state assembly constituency)|Thousand Lights constituency]] in Chennai,<ref name="Result"/> to which he was first elected in [[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1989]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/stalin-files-nomination-papers-set-to-become-dmk-president/articleshow/65551094.cms |title=Stalin files nomination papers, set to become DMK president |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=26 August 2018 |access-date=9 April 2021 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122182945/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/stalin-files-nomination-papers-set-to-become-dmk-president/articleshow/65551094.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[1991 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1991]], he contested the same seat for the third time and lost. He had been elected to the assembly consecutively six times since [[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1996]].<ref name="Result"/>
*Member (2021–23) [[16th Tamil Nadu Assembly#Committee on Rules|Committee on Rules]]


=== Ungal Thoguthiyil Mudhalamaichar ===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
One of the key achievements of Stalin as the Chief Minister is the 'Ungal Thoguthiyil Mudhalamaichar'<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grievances {{!}} Tamil Nadu Government Portal |url=https://www.tn.gov.in/ta/grievance |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=www.tn.gov.in}}</ref> (Chief Minister in your Constituency), which is a robust grievance redressal service set up to resolve petitions and problems raised by the constituents. The timely redressal system took the state by storm as over 2.30 lakh out of 4.57 lakh grievances had been addressed by Stalin in his first 100 days of taking office.
|+Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election
 
! Year
The department originated from a programme 'Ungal Thoguthiyil Stalin', which was initiated by DMK President Stalin during his election campaign. Stalin had collected grievances from the citizens and assured them that their issues would be addressed in 100 days once he took office. Experts and journalist Govi Lenin called the scheme a direct reflection of the DMK's core principle, 'Makkalidam Sel' (Go to the People) coined by the party's founding member, C. N. Annadurai.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Julie Mariappan|date=Jun 3, 2021 |title=3,750 grievances redressed under DMK govt's Ungal Thoguthiyil Muthalamaichar scheme {{!}} Chennai News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/3750-grievances-redressed-under-dmk-govts-ungal-thoguthiyil-muthalamaichar-scheme/articleshow/83202223.cms |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
! Constituency
 
! colspan=2|Party
=== Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam ===
! Votes
Stalin launched the 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme' on 5 August 2021, to provide essential healthcare services at the doorstep of the people in Tamil Nadu. Since its launch the scheme has transformed the mode of preliminary healthcare delivery and rung in an era where essential medical services are well within the access of the poor, by delivery at their own homes.
! %
! Opponent
! colspan=2|Party
! Opponent Votes
! %
! Result
! Margin
! %
|-
! [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2021]]
| rowspan="3"|[[Kolathur Assembly constituency|Kolathur]]
| {{Party name with color|Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|rowspan=9}}
| 1,05,522
| 60.86
| Aadi Rajaram
| {{Party name with color|AIADMK|rowspan=4}}
| 35,138
| 20.27
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 70,384
| 40.59
|-
! [[2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2016]]
| 91,303
| 54.25
| [[J. C. D. Prabhakar]]
| 53,573
| 31.83
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 37,730
| 22.42
|-
! [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011]]
| 68,677
| 48.35
| [[Saidai Duraisamy]]
| 65,943
| 46.43
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 2,734
| 1.92
|-
! [[2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2006]]
| rowspan="6"|[[Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|Thousand Lights]]
| 49,817
| 46.00
| Aadi Rajaram
| 47,349
| 43.72
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 2,468
| 2.28
|-
! [[2001 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2001]]
| 49,056
| 51.41
| S. Sekar
| {{Party name with color|Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar)|shortname=TMC(M)}}
| 41,782
| 43.78
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 7,274
| 7.63
|-
! [[1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1996]]
| 66,905
| 69.72
| Zeenath Sheriffdeen
| {{Party name with color|AIADMK|rowspan=4}}
| 22,028
| 22.05
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 44,877
| 47.67
|-
! [[1991 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1991]]
| 38,445
| 39.19
| [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| 55,426
| 56.50
| {{no2|Lost}}
| -16,981
| -17.31
|-
! [[1989 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1989]]
| 50,818
| 50.59
| [[Munisamy Thambidurai|Thambidurai]]
| 30,184
| 30.05
| {{yes2|Won}}
| 20,634
| 20.54
|-
! [[1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|1984]]
| 43,954
| 47.86
| [[K. A. Krishnaswamy]]
| 46,246
| 50.36
| {{no2|Lost}}
| -2,292
| -2.50
|}


The scheme has undertaken screening for those above 45 years of age and others with infirmities through routine door-to-door check-ups and detect non-communicable diseases that are also seen to cause sudden mortalities and impact the quality of life. The scheme will hinge on women public health workers, women health volunteers (WHVs), physiotherapists and nurses, who will provide healthcare at the doorstep.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-05 |title=TN CM launches Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-cm-launches-makkalai-thedi-maruthuvam-scheme/article35740145.ece |access-date=2022-10-03 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
== Public image and perception ==
 
In August 2021, Stalin was ranked first among chief ministers of India in the ''[[India Today]]'' "Mood of the Nation" survey.<ref>{{cite web|title=Support for Modi as 'Best Choice for PM' Falls from 66% to 24% in a Year, India Today Poll Finds|url=https://thewire.in/government/narendra-modi-prime-minister-adityanath-india-today-poll|access-date=17 August 2021|work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817191200/https://thewire.in/government/narendra-modi-prime-minister-adityanath-india-today-poll|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' named Stalin as India's 24th most powerful personality in 2022,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ie100-list-of-most-powerful-indians-in-2019-narendra-modi-amit-shah-mukesh-ambani-gogoi-mohan-bhagwat-6039930/|title=IE100: The list of most powerful Indians in 2019|date=30 September 2019|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-date=28 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328065016/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ie100-list-of-most-powerful-indians-in-2019-narendra-modi-amit-shah-mukesh-ambani-gogoi-mohan-bhagwat-6039930/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 23rd in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=IE India's 100 Most Powerful People List 2025: Top 100 Powerful Person in India |url=https://data.indianexpress.com/projects/2025/ie-100 |access-date=19 November 2025 |work=[[The Indian Express]] }}</ref>
Through the scheme, high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which go largely undetected in the villages, has been screened and monthly medicines are provided at the door-step. Similarly, physiotherapy is also given to those that are in need of care. The scheme has included screening of kidney ailments and congenital defects in children and will be followed up through hospital treatment. Stalin assured that in due course, dialysis will also be provided to those with kidney ailments through portable machines. As part of the program, a 108 ambulance for exclusive emergency response in remote tribal terrains have also been established.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Omjasvin M. D.|date=Aug 6, 2022 |title=5.8 lakh Chennaiites have benefitted from Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme: Minister {{!}} Chennai News|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/5-8-lakh-chennaiites-have-benefitted-from-makkalai-thedi-maruthuvam-scheme-minister/articleshow/93392455.cms |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Tamil Nadu's first agriculture budget ===
Stalin released Tamil Nadu’s first ever agricultural budget on 14 August 2021, which was dedicated to farmers protesting against the farm laws passed by the Union Government. The one of a kind budget was prepared after consulting farmers from 18 districts of the state and it predominantly aimed at increasing the cultivable land from the existing 60 percent to 75 percent. At present, about 10 lakh hectares of land is under cultivation and the agriculture budget promises to increase it to 11.75 lakh hectare.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-14 |title=DMK government presents Tamil Nadu's first agriculture Budget |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/dmk-government-presents-tamil-nadu-s-first-agriculture-budget-1019687.html |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>
 
Under the budget, the newly launched ‘Kalaignarin Anaithu Grama Orunginaindha Velan Valarchi Thittam’, has been introduced to convert wasteland into cultivable land.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agricultural Development Plan |date=14 August 2021 |url=https://tamil.goodreturns.in/news/tamil-nadu-agriculture-budget-2021-kalaignar-integrated-agricultural-development-plan-024625.html}}</ref>
 
==== Highlights <ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamilnadu Agriculture budget 2021 | date=14 August 2021 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-agriculture-budget-2021-highlights-7453718/#:~:text=The%20state%20government%20has%20allocated,60%20to%2075%20per%20cent}}</ref> ====
 
# The government will distribute 76 lakh Palm seeds and 1 lakh saplings in 30 districts during the current year 2021. The Palm tree which is the state’s tree will be protected in all regards, and that it is mandatory to seek the district collector’s permission before felling any palm tree.
# Distribution of Palm jaggery will be carried out through the public distribution system.
# A traditional paddy varieties conservation mission will be set up in memory of Nel Jayaraman, a farmer who preserved numerous traditional rice varieties.
# A separate organic farming wing will be set up under the agriculture department. Farmers who adopt organic methods of cultivation will be given input subsidies.
# The government has launched ‘Millet Mission’ with special focus on low rainfall districts such as Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakuruchi, Vellore and Tirupathur.
# Cooperative societies will procure minor millet rice and distribute it through a public distribution system in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore.
# Government to pay ₹42.50 per tonne to the sugarcane farmers as an incentive during the current crushing season. A budget of ₹40 crore has been allocated to implement the scheme.
# The Chief Minister’s Solar Powered Pump set Scheme has been introduced for farmers to install a total of 5,000 solar pump sets of 10 horse power capacity with 70 per cent subsidy. An allocation of ₹114.68 crore has been made for the purpose.
# In addition, 1,000 farmers who own less than three acres of land will get a subsidy assistance of ₹10,000 for purchasing new motor pump sets or replacing the old inefficient ones. A budget of ₹1 crore has been allocated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-14 |title=Tamil Nadu government presents State's first agriculture Budget, dedicates it to the protesting farmers in Delhi |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/dispatches/tamil-nadu-government-dedicates-first-ever-agriculture-budget-to-the-protesting-farmers-in-delhi/article35909679.ece |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=frontline.thehindu.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Illam Thedi Kalvi ===
Stalin launched the ‘Illam Thedi Kalvi’ scheme on 19 October 2021, notably India’s largest volunteer-based education program”, where over 3.3 million students across 92,000 habitations are being taught by 200,000 women volunteers for 90 minutes every day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=இல்லம் தேடிக் கல்வி - Illam Thedi Kalvi |url=https://illamthedikalvi.tnschools.gov.in/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=இல்லம் தேடிக் கல்வி - Illam Thedi Kalvi |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Illam Thedi Kalvi: A booster shot for post-Covid education |url=http://www.ideasforindia.in/topics/human-development/illam-thedi-kalvi-a-booster-shot-for-post-covid-education.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Ideas For India |language=en}}</ref>
 
Domain experts and Data scientists have praised the ingenuity of the scheme stating that over 24% of the total recovery from learning loss can be attributed to the ‘Illam Thedi Kalvi’ sessions and that the recovery has been a lot more progressive among the disadvantaged group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Illam Thedi Kalvi |url=https://riseprogramme.org/sites/default/files/2022-09/COVID-19_Learning_Loss_Recovery_Panel_Data_Evidence_India.pdf}}</ref>
 
=== Innuyir Kappom - Nammai Kakkum 48 ===
Stalin launched ‘Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kakkum 48’ on 18 November 2021 through which the State government will bear the expenses of emergency care for accident victims for the first 48 hours.<ref>{{Cite news  |date=2021-12-18 |title=Assembly Speaker M. Appavu inaugurates 'Nammai Kaakkum 48' scheme in Tirunelveli |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/assembly-speaker-m-appavu-inaugurates-nammai-kaakkum-48-scheme-in-tirunelveli/article37986238.ece |access-date=2022-10-10 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Rolling out the scheme at Stalin said that the government was paying special attention to reducing road accidents, preventing fatalities and improving road safety. The scheme is aimed at reducing deaths due to road accidents.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2021-12-18 |title=Tamil Nadu launches emergency care scheme |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-launches-emergency-care-scheme/article37987793.ece |access-date=2022-10-10 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> A total of 609 hospitals including 201 government hospitals and 408 private hospitals are linked to the scheme. All persons injured in road accidents whether they are covered or not under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), or even those who belong to other States or countries that occur in Tamil Nadu limits would receive treatment for the first 48 hours free of charge. As many as 81 treatment packages have been identified for accident victims in the hospitals where they shall be were admitted for the first 48 hours with a ceiling of ₹1 lakh per individual. One of the key highlights of the scheme is that the government would bear the emergency treatment expenses for the first 48 hours in private hospitals, as majority of the lives could be saved if treated appropriately within 48 hours.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme |url=https://www.cmchistn.com/ |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=www.cmchistn.com}}</ref>
 
== Chief Minister's Dashboard ==
Stalin launched the ‘CM Dashboard Monitoring System’ at his office.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Julie Mariappan|date=Dec 23, 2021 |title=CM MK Stalin to launch dashboard today to access real-time data on Tamil Nadu {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cm-mk-stalin-to-launch-dashboard-today-to-access-real-time-data-on-tamil-nadu/articleshow/88442861.cms |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> On 23 December 2021 which will enable him to track all welfare schemes, including the status of their implementation, fund allocation and the number of beneficiaries. The dashboard is set to help in proper monitoring, more efficiency, elimination of delays and prompt decision making. It will also update the Chief Minister on the water storage level in key dams, rainfall patterns, daily report on crimes, progress of housing schemes, employment trends, civil supplies in the State.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-23 |title=Stalin launches CM Dashboard for faster governance |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/stalin-launches-cm-dashboard-for-faster-governance-1063981.html |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> The dashboard will display the status of pleas and representations made on the Chief Minister Helpline and under the ‘CM In Your Constituency’ scheme.
 
=== Naan Mudhalvan ===
Stalin launched the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme, on 1 March 2022, which aims to equip about 10 lakh youth across the State annually with skills that will help them realise their talents for the benefit of the country. He also launched a new portal for this scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naan Mudhalvan |url=https://naanmudhalvan.tnschools.gov.in/ |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=naanmudhalvan.tnschools.gov.in}}</ref> The scheme aims to identify, train and offer career and academic guidance to talented students in government-run and State-aided educational institutions. It also aims to offer spoken English lessons to enable students to face interview panels successfully. The scheme will offer training capsules in coding and robotics to keep pace with technological advancements. Psychological counsellors and medical doctors will offer guidance on nutrition, physical fitness and overall development of the student’s personality.<ref>{{Cite news  |date=2022-03-01 |title=Tamil Nadu Chief Minister inaugurates 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme for students |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-inaugurates-naan-mudhalvan-scheme-for-students/article65143960.ece |access-date=2022-10-10 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
=== Green Tamil Nadu Mission ===
Stalin launched the Green Tamil Nadu Mission <ref>{{Cite web |title=Greentnmission |url=http://www.greentrmission.com/}}</ref> on 24 September 2022, that aims at increasing the green cover in the state from 23.7% to 33% in the next ten years. The mission will facilitate tree planting initiatives, online seedlings purchase via the Green Tamil Nadu Mission portal.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Press Trust of India |date=2022-09-24 |title=CM MK Stalin launches Green TN Mission, urges people to join hands |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/cm-mk-stalin-launches-green-tn-mission-urges-people-to-join-hands-122092400642_1.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Pudhumai Penn ===
Stalin launched the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance scheme titled 'Pudhumai Penn' at a function in Chennai on 5 September 2022, in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The scheme was transformed from Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Memorial Marriage Assistance Scheme to the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme after recognising that in higher education, the enrolment ratio of girls from government schools was quite low. During the event Kejriwal unveiled 26 schools of excellence and 15 model schools set up by the Tamil Nadu government. Under Pudhumai Penn scheme, girl students, who studied from Class V to Class XII in state government schools would be paid a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 till they complete their graduation or diploma. Through the scheme, about six lakh girls would be benefited every year. The State government allocated ₹698 crore in the 2022-23 Budget for the scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme - Home |url=https://penkalvi.tn.gov.in/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=penkalvi.tn.gov.in}}</ref>
 
Stalin also announced that 25 schools run by Municipal Corporations would be elevated as Schools of Excellence in the first phase at a cost of ₹171 crore. The classrooms in these Schools of Excellence would be modernised and art, literature, music, dance, sports among others would be promoted among students.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-05 |title=Pudhumai Penn scheme launch in Tamil Nadu {{!}} Chief Ministers Stalin, Kejriwal share dais |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pudhumai-penn-scheme-launch-chief-ministers-stalin-kejriwal-share-dais/article65852744.ece |access-date=2022-10-03 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
=== Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme ===
Stalin launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme’ on 15 September 2022 to prevent hunger and nutritional deficiency in children. The scheme is set to improve the nutritional status of students, eliminate deficiencies such as malnutrition and anemia, and encourage children in poor households to attend schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2022 |first=Amarnath K. |last=Menon |title=Why the Stalin government's 'Breakfast Scheme' for schoolchildren is an inspiring model |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-the-stalin-government-s-breakfast-scheme-for-schoolchildren-is-an-inspiring-model-2002491-2022-09-20 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
 
The cause of concern for Anemia among children as a major health problem in Tamil Nadu was highlighted in the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS) (2019–21) report.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFHS-5reports |url=http://rchiips.org/nfhs/NFHS-5Reports/Tamil%20Nadu.pdf}}</ref> Stalin’s Breakfast Scheme is set to minimise, if not eliminate, this inadequacy. The breakfast scheme will be implemented at a cost of ₹33.56 crore in more than 1,500 government-run schools across the state where over 1.14 lakh primary government school children will benefit from it. It is Stalin’s hope that the education-nutrition matrix will be an inspiring model for other states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free Breakfast Scheme |date=15 September 2022 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-launches-free-breakfast-scheme-for-govt-school-children-101663235272862.html}}</ref>
 
=== Governing Council on Climate Change ===
Stalin set up a 22-member Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change (GCCC) on 23 October 2022. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, economist; Nandan M Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of Infosys Board; Erik Solheim,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/eriksolheim/status/1584010980849483776 |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> Sixth Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme; Dr Ramesh Ramachandran, founder-director of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management; G Sundarrajan, co-ordinator of Poovulagin Nanbargal) and Nirmala Raja, Chairperson, Ramco Community Services are among the members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stalin to head new climate change council in TN |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/oct/23/stalinto-head-new-climate-change-council-in-tn-2511037.html |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
 
The GCCC council has been formed to provide a policy directive to the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, advise on climate adaptation and mitigation activities, provide guidance to the Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on climate change and guide the implementation strategy on climate action.<ref>{{Cite news  |date=2022-10-22 |title=T.N. sets up Governing Council on Climate Change; ropes in Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nandan Nilekani |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-sets-up-governing-council-on-climate-change-ropes-in-montek-singh-ahluwalia-and-nandan-nilekani/article66045291.ece |access-date=2022-10-28 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
The terms of reference of the GCCC includes providing guidance to the Climate Change Mission and long-term climate-resilient development pathways, strategies and action plan which will help improve livelihoods, social and economic well-being and responsible environmental management.
 
The council will periodically monitor outcomes and deliverables based on the strategies being followed. Besides, it will give a continued and sustained push for research, collaboration, and interdisciplinary work, in close coordination with researchers and policymakers.
 
The council will evaluate the efficacy of existing policies on climate change and learn from sustainable practices across the country and the world for suitable adaptation. The State Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department Secretary Supriya Sahu will be the convenor of the council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=tn.gov.in |url=http://cms.tn.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/pr221022_e_1856.pdf}}</ref>
 
It is imperative to note that, Tamil Nadu has been spearheading several path-breaking initiatives in the field of climate change and has set up three key missions viz., Tamil Nadu Green Mission, Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission and the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission.
 
=== Egalitarianism and social justice in Tamil Nadu ===
Stalin initiated the process to appoint persons of all castes (contrary to the hereditary Brahmin priests) as archakas (priests) for the temples in the State on 15 August 2021, and assured steps will be taken to appoint those trained by the government during the previous DMK government.<ref>{{Cite news  |date=2021-08-14 |title=Archakas of all castes get appointed |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/archakas-of-all-castes-get-appointed/article61429932.ece |access-date=2022-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
Stalin maintained that the move will fulfill the dream of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, and Periyar who wanted people of all castes to become temple priests. As a move seen as controversial by many, this policy however garnered him acclaim for it being the right step at a social revolution and combating discrimination at all levels.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shunmugasundaram |first=Manuraj |date=2021-09-13 |title=Archakas of all hues |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/archakas-of-all-hues/article36440384.ece |access-date=2022-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
== Public image and reception ==
Stalin’s career in the political arena has seen its ups and downs. From a challenger to an emerging pragmatic leader, the people of Tamil Nadu have credited his administrative skills and firm rejection of sycophancy. A classic example of this is when M.K Stalin asked the Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhil not to print his photographs on 65 lakh bags meant for distribution among schoolchildren in the state, opting to retain pictures of his political adversaries from the previous government that had sanctioned the project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-04 |title=Stalin shows the way |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/stalin-shows-way |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The Sunday Guardian Live |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Stalin was commended by domain experts and other ministers across the country for not using public money to enhance his popularity among the “masses”.<ref>{{Cite web |title="அவர் பெயர் ஸ்டாலின்.." : முதல்வருக்கு பிரபல ஆராய்ச்சியாளரும் கல்வியாளருமான அசோக் ஸ்வாயின் புகழாரம்! |url=https://www.kalaignarseithigal.com/tamilnadu/2021/11/05/researcher-ashok-swain-praised-chief-minister-mk-stalin |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=www.kalaignarseithigal.com |date=5 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
 
On September 2, 2021 the Actor turned former Union Minister K. Chiranjeevi met with Stalin to commend him on governance efficacy and said he proved his mettle in handling the grave situation of Covid-19 pandemic. The Media houses in Kerala lauded Stalin on his policies and efforts in controlling the spread of Coronavirus during the second wave, provision of free bus pass for women and ₹4,000 as a pandemic relief for ration card holders.<ref>{{Citation |title=Special Story On Tamilnadu CM MK Stalin Native Place {{!}} Andhra Pradesh {{!}} ABN Telugu |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GaHVJD3JOc |language=en |access-date=2022-10-11}}</ref>
 
The Shiv Sena Parliamentarian Sanjay Raut, in his weekly column Rokthok in party mouthpiece Saamana praised Stalin’s governance style and criticized the Centre’s move to omit Jawaharlal Nehru and  Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s picture from ICHR’s Independence day poster ‘Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav.’ Raut said the central government is practising the politics of revenge and should learn a lesson from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, who allowed the distribution of 6.5 million school bags carrying photos of political rivals former chief ministers J Jayalalitha and E Palaniswami of the AIADMK, to ensure public money is not being spent on political vendetta.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-05 |title=Shiv Sena says Modi needs to thank Nehru for creating national assets |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/shiv-sena-says-modi-needs-to-thank-nehru-for-creating-national-assets-101630829614672.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
 
Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai commended Stalin's nuanced policies and continual effort in controlling the spread of covid-19 at the peak of the second wave.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-03 |title='Bommai's statement on Mekedatu unacceptable' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/bommais-statement-on-mekedatu-unacceptable/article35711859.ece |access-date=2022-10-11 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


== Awards and accolades ==
== Awards and accolades ==
 
On 1 August 2009, [[Anna University]] conferred upon Stalin an honorary doctorate for his contributions to governance and community development.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 August 2009 |title=Rahman, Stalin get honorary doctorates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahman-stalin-get-honorary-doctorates/story-E3U4gzMBfuiwIPJzn85RyN.html |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]] |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025324/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahman-stalin-get-honorary-doctorates/story-E3U4gzMBfuiwIPJzn85RyN.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/22046|title=Stalin, Rahman, Annadurai conferred honorary doctorates|work=[[Asian Tribune]]|access-date=11 August 2019|archive-date=11 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811200515/http://www.asiantribune.com/node/22046|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/rahman-awarded-doctorate-310195.html|title=A R Rahman to be awarded honorary doctorate|work=[[News18]]|date=4 March 2009|access-date=11 August 2019|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025259/https://www.news18.com/news/india/rahman-awarded-doctorate-310195.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kentucky Colonel Award, the highest award given by the [[Commonwealth of Kentucky]] in the United States, was given to Stalin for his public service.<ref>{{cite news|title='Kentucky Colonel' award for DMK leader Stalin |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2012/feb/26/kentucky-colonel-award-for-dmk-leader-stalin-343881.html |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=16 May 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113648/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2012/feb/26/kentucky-colonel-award-for-dmk-leader-stalin-343881.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also honoured as Kentucky's goodwill ambassador.<ref>{{cite news|title='Kentucky Colonel' award for M K Stalin |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kentucky-colonel-award-for-mk-stalin-1655248 |access-date=11 October 2022 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011113651/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kentucky-colonel-award-for-mk-stalin-1655248 |url-status=live }}</ref>
#Anna University conferred an honorary doctorate for Stalin for his contributions to governance and community development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-01 |title=Rahman, Stalin get honorary doctorates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rahman-stalin-get-honorary-doctorates/story-E3U4gzMBfuiwIPJzn85RyN.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
# The Kentucky Colonel Award, the highest award given by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the United States, was given to Stalin for his public service.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Kentucky Colonel' award for DMK leader Stalin |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2012/feb/26/kentucky-colonel-award-for-dmk-leader-stalin-343881.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
# Stalin was also honored as Kentucky's Goodwill Ambassador. It is imperative to note that the honor was formerly bestowed to notable personalities such as, Former US Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, Nobel laureate Winston Churchill and world-famous boxer Mohammed Ali.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Kentucky Colonel' award for MK Stalin |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kentucky-colonel-award-for-mk-stalin-1655248 |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
# The Government of Tamil Nadu on 23 Feb 2011 received the Special Award for Best State among the Largest States in India and the Diamond State Award for Best State in 3 categories namely Civil Safety, Drinking Water and Sanitation and Women's Development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu & Himachal Pradesh win top honours at IBN7 Diamond States Awards |url=https://www.afaqs.com/media-briefs/47946_tamil-nadu--himachal-pradesh-win-top-honours-at-ibn7-diamond-states-awards |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=afaqs!|date=23 February 2011 }}</ref>
# In the year 2006-2007, the Panchayat Department of Tamil Nadu won one of the top five places in India and won a cash prize of ₹86 lakh.
# The Tamil Nadu Rural Development Department received the first prize of ₹1 crore cash from the Ministry of Panchayat Raj of the Central Government in the year 2007-2008.
# The Tamil Nadu Municipal Department was awarded the International Certificate of ISO-9000 for the year 2008 for outstanding management skills.
# The Supreme Court commended the Government of Tamil Nadu for its excellent implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme and said that other states should follow Tamil Nadu's example.
# Cuddalore, Sivagangai, Dindigul, Nagapattinam and Villupuram Districts were recognised by the Union Government for their outstanding implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the years 2007 -2008, 2009 – 2010 respectively.
# Tamil Nadu won the most number of Nirmal Gram Awards for its exceptional role in maintaining sanitation in the villages in the state. This prestigious award was received during Stalin's tenure as Minister of Rural and Local Administrator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trichi in TN bags highest number of Nirmal Gram Awards |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2008/nov/07/trichi-in-tn-bags-highest-number-of-nirmal-gram-awards-5138.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
 
== Electoral performance ==
{{transcluded section|source=Thousand Lights Assembly constituency}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|1984}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|1989}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|1991}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|1996}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|2001}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Thousand Lights Assembly constituency|2006}}}}
{{transcluded section|source=Kolathur Assembly constituency}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Kolathur Assembly constituency|2011}}}}
{{trim|{{#section-h:Kolathur Assembly constituency|2016}}}}
{{Election box begin|title= [[2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election]] : Kolathur}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=[[M. K. Stalin]] |party=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |votes=105,522 |percentage=60.86% |change=6.61% }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=Aadi Rajaram |party=All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |votes=35,138 |percentage=20.27% |change=-11.56% }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=A. Jagadish Kumar |party=Makkal Needhi Maiam |votes=14,210 |percentage=8.20% |change= }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=Camilus Selva |party=Naam Tamilar Katchi |votes=11,304 |percentage=6.52% |change=4.84% }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=Nota |party=None of the above |votes=1,529 |percentage=0.88% |change=-1.23% }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=M. J. S. Jamal Mohamed Meera |party=Bahujan Samaj Party |votes=1,295 |percentage=0.75% |change=0.49% }}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=J. Arumugam |party=Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam |votes=1,081 |percentage=0.62% |change= }}
{{Election box margin of victory |votes=70,384 |percentage=40.59% |change=18.18% }}
{{Election box turnout |votes=173,388 |percentage=61.68% |change= -3.10% }}
{{Election box rejected|votes=373 |percentage=0.22% }}{{Election box registered electors |reg. electors = 281,128 |change = }}
{{Election box hold with party link |winner=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |loser=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |swing= 6.61% }}
{{Election box end}}
 
== Filmography ==
'''Actor'''
 
*''[[Ore Raththam]]'' (1987)
*''[[Makkal Aanayittal]]''  (1988)
*''Kurinji Malar''- TV Series (late 1988?)
*''Suriya''&nbsp;— TV Series
 
'''Producer'''
* ''[[Nambikkai Natchathram]]'' (1978)


== See also ==
== See also ==
*{{Annotated link|2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Politics|India}}


* [[M. K. Stalin ministry]]
==Notes==
 
{{notelist}}
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
 
{{commons category}}


*[http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/12thAssembly/profiles/010.htm Tamil Nadu Assembly Profile]
*[http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/12thAssembly/profiles/010.htm Tamil Nadu Assembly Profile]
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[[Category:Actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Chief ministers from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
[[Category:Chief ministers from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
[[Category:Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Chief ministers of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Deputy Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Deputy chief ministers of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian atheists]]
[[Category:Indian atheists]]
[[Category:Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil politicians]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil politicians]]
[[Category:Indians imprisoned during the Emergency (India)]]
[[Category:Indian people imprisoned during the Emergency (India)]]
[[Category:Karunanidhi family]]
[[Category:Karunanidhi family]]
[[Category:Leaders of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu]]
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[[Category:University of Madras alumni]]
[[Category:University of Madras alumni]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil people]]
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[[Category:People of the Sri Lankan Civil War]]
[[Category:People of the Sri Lankan civil war]]
[[Category:Indian Peace Keeping Force]]
[[Category:Indian Peace Keeping Force]]
[[Category:21st-century mayors of places in India]]
[[Category:20th-century mayors of places in India]]

Revision as of 00:25, 2 May 2026



M. K. Stalin
Stalin in 2022
8th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
Assumed office
7 May 2021
Governor
DeputyUdhayanidhi Stalin
Preceded byEdappadi K. Palaniswami
Additional ministries
Ministry and Departments
1st Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
In office
29 May 2009 – 15 May 2011
GovernorSurjit Singh Barnala
Chief MinisterM. Karunanidhi
Portfolios
Ministry and Departments
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byO. Panneerselvam (in 2017)
17th Leader of the Opposition in the
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
In office
24 May 2016 – 6 May 2021
Governor
Chief Minister
Preceded byVijayakanth
Cabinet Minister in Tamil Nadu
In office
13 May 2006 – 15 May 2011
MinisterRural Development and Panchayati Raj
Chief MinisterM. Karunanidhi
Preceded byK. P. Anbalagan
Succeeded byP. Mohan
2nd President of
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Assumed office
28 August 2018
General Secretary
Preceded byM. Karunanidhi
Working President of
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office
4 January 2017 – 28 August 2018
PresidentM. Karunanidhi
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPosition abolished
Treasurer of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office
27 December 2008 – 27 August 2018
PresidentM. Karunanidhi
General SecretaryK. Anbazhagan
Preceded byArcot N. Veeraswami
Succeeded byDurai Murugan
Deputy General Secretary of
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office
2 June 2003 – 26 December 2008
PresidentM. Karunanidhi
General SecretaryK. Anbazhagan
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byPosition abolished
45th Mayor of Chennai
In office
25 October 1996 – 6 September 2002
Preceded byR. Arumugam (in 1973)
Succeeded byKarate R. Thiagarajan
Member of the
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Assumed office
23 May 2011
Preceded byConstituency established
ConstituencyKolathur
In office
13 May 1996 – 15 May 2011
Preceded byK. A. Krishnaswamy
Succeeded byB. Valarmathi
ConstituencyThousand Lights
In office
27 January 1989 – 30 January 1991
Preceded byK. A. Krishnaswamy
Succeeded byK. A. Krishnaswamy
ConstituencyThousand Lights
Youth Wing Secretary of
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office
20 July 1982 – 6 July 2017
PresidentM. Karunanidhi
General SecretaryK. Anbazhagan
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byM. P. Saminathan
Personal details
Born
Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin

(1953-03-01) 1 March 1953 (age 73)
Madras, Madras State, India
(present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
Political partyDravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Spouse(s)
(
m. 1975)
Children2 (including Udhayanidhi)
Parent(s)
RelativesKarunanidhi family
EducationBachelor of Arts
Alma materPresidency College, Chennai
OccupationPolitician
Signature
Websitemkstalin.in

Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin[lower-alpha 1] (born 1 March 1953) is an Indian politician who has served as the eighth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu since 2021. He became president of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on 28 August 2018, after serving as the party's working president from January 2017 to August 2018.

Born in 1953, Stalin is the third son of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi. He completed his education at Presidency College in Chennai in 1973. He began his political career in the late 1960s and was elected to DMK's general committee in 1973. He was jailed during the Emergency in 1976. He became the secretary of the party's youth wing in 1982, a post he held for more than four decades. He served as the 45th mayor of Chennai from 1996 to 2002. He has been elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly eight times, and served as the state's first deputy chief minister from 2009 to 2011.

Stalin is married to Durga, and their son Udhayanidhi currently serves as the state's deputy chief minister. In 2009, Anna University conferred an honorary doctorate on Stalin. In 2025, The Indian Express named him as India's 23rd most powerful personality.

Early and personal life

Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin was born in Chennai on 1 March 1953 as the third son of M. Karunanidhi, who would later serve as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Dayalu Ammal. He was named after Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.[1][2] Stalin was educated at Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School.[3] He completed a pre-university course at Vivekananda College and obtained a degree in history from Presidency College in 1973.[4]

Stalin married Durga (alias Shantha) on 20 August 1975. They have two children.[4] Their son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, is an actor and politician who since 2024 is deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu.[5] Their daughter Senthamarai is an entrepreneur and education professional.[6][7] Stalin describes himself as an Atheist.[8][9][10]

Political career

Early career

Stalin began his political career in his early teens when he, with some friends, founded the youth wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Gopalapuram.[11] At 14 years old, he campaigned for his uncle, Murasoli Maran, in the 1967 Madras State Legislative Assembly election.[12][13] In 1973, he was elected to the general committee of the DMK.[14]

In 1976, Stalin was jailed in Madras Central Prison under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act for protesting against the Emergency.[15][16] Whilst in police custody, he endured torture which resulted in the death of his fellow prisoner C. Chittibabu.[17][18][19] He wrote his final-year college exams whilst in prison.[2]

Youth wing and MLA

Stalin established the youth wing of the DMK in 1980 and became its secretary in 1982, a post he held for more than four decades.[2] During the 1980s, he travelled across Tamil Nadu to encourage and mentor youth to join active politics.[20] In 1989, he was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency, and represented the constituency five times.[2] In 2003, he became Deputy General Secretary of the DMK.[11]

Mayor of Chennai

Stalin became the Mayor of Chennai in 1996.[21] As mayor, he initiated the Singara Chennai (Beautiful Chennai) project to improve the city's infrastructure.[2] He modernised the garbage disposal system by giving priority to cleaning works, and implemented development projects in areas such as health, public construction and schools. He built flyovers to address traffic congestion.[22] During his first tenure, nine major flyovers and 49 bridges were constructed at a cost of 0.95 billion (US$13 million).[23] He also worked on improving the standard of corporation-run schools to be on par with private schools.[24][25] Parks and fountains were set up at 18 major junctions, 81 parks were renovated, and saplings were planted at Marina Beach.[26] His efforts in improving city infrastructure earned him the title of Managara Thanthai (father of the city).[27]

Stalin was re-elected Mayor for the second time in 2001.[28] In 2002, the chief minister J. Jayalalithaa enacted the Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws (Amendment) Act, which prevented a person from holding two elected posts in the government.[25] Because Stalin was an elected member of the legislative assembly, this law was widely seen as an attempt to remove him as Chennai's mayor.[29] Madras High Court later struck down the law but held as per the City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919, a person cannot be mayor for two consecutive terms, though unlike Stalin, earlier mayors were not directly elected.[27] As a result, Stalin resigned from the post.[30]

Minister and deputy chief minister

The DMK regained control of the state assembly in the 2006 assembly elections. Stalin became the minister for rural development and local administration in the Government of Tamil Nadu, and retained this office throughout his term. During his tenure, he expanded women's self-help groups across the state by establishing 175,493 new ones. He also established drinking water projects such as the Hogenakkal and Ramanathapuram water schemes.[13][25] In 2008, he became the DMK's treasurer.[11]

On 29 May 2009, the Governor of Tamil Nadu Surjit Singh Barnala appointed Stalin the state's deputy chief minister.[31][32][33] During his tenure, on 23 February 2011, the Government of Tamil Nadu received a special award for the best state among the largest states in India, and the diamond state award for best state in civil safety, drinking water and sanitation, and women's development.[34] The state also won the most number of Nirmal Gram Awards for its exceptional role in maintaining sanitation in villages during Stalin's tenure as the minister of rural development.[35]

Opposition leader and DMK president

In 2013, Karunanidhi announced Stalin as his successor to head the DMK and confirmed it in 2016.[36][37] Ahead of the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, Stalin went on a statewide tour titled Namakku Naame. He won the Kolathur constituency and was appointed opposition leader in the state legislative assembly.[38] In 2017, Stalin went on another Namakku Naame tour.[39] He was appointed as working president in January 2017 when the health of his father, Karunanidhi, started declining. In 2018, Karunanidhi died and Stalin became president of the DMK.[13]

Stalin formed the Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu and led the alliance in the state in the 2019 Indian general election.[40][41] The Secular Progressive Alliance won 39 out of 40 Parliament seats, and 12 out of 21 in the assembly by-elections, in the party's first victory since Stalin took charge as the DMK's president.[42][43]

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

Stalin led the campaign for the Secular Progressive Alliance in the 2021 Assembly elections; it won 159 seats out of the 234, with the DMK winning 133 seats, an absolute majority.[44] He was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on 7 May 2021, along with the rest of his cabinet.[45][46] He also served as a member of the business advisory committee and committee on rules in the 16th Tamil Nadu assembly.[47]

After assuming office, Stalin implemented policies offering 4,000 (US$56) as one time COVID-19 relief to 20.7 million ration card holders across the state, free bus pass for travel in ordinary intra-city buses for women and reducing the retail price of Aavin milk.[48][49][50] However, the Tamil Nadu Milk Producers Association claimed that the decision to reduce the retail milk prices caused a significant financial loss to Aavin,[51] and urging the chief minister to increase the milk procurement rates.[52] He established a new economic advisory council that included economists Arvind Subramanian, Esther Duflo, Jean Drèze, Raghuram Rajan, and S Narayan.[53]

During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2021, Stalin established a war room to monitor the status of beds, ambulances, and oxygen supply.[54] He visited the ESI medical college hospital against expert advice to meet up with patients getting treatment for COVID-19.[55] The state had the lowest percentage of wastage of COVID-19 vaccines during the free public administration of the same.[56] On 2 September 2021, actor and politician Chiranjeevi met with Stalin to commend him on governance efficacy, and stated that Stalin had proved his mettle in handling the pandemic.[57]

Stalin released the state's first ever standalone agricultural budget on 14 August 2021.[58] Later in the day, he handed appointment orders from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to trained aspirants of all castes as temple priests in August 2021,[59] quoting that Periyar fought for equal rights in worship for all believers in God.[60] On 29 August 2021, he announced that the name of refugee camps of Sri Lankan Tamils would be changed to rehabilitation camps.[61]

In September 2021, Stalin announced Periyar's birthday would be celebrated annually as a 'Social Justice day'.[62] Later in the month, his government withdrew over 5,570 legal cases filed by the previous government in the past ten years including cases against some journalists and those who were involved in protests against the new farm laws and the Citizenship Amendment Act promulgated by the union government, and various government projects such as Kaveri delta coal-bed methane project, India-based Neutrino Observatory, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and Chennai-Salem expressway (ta).[63][64] Later in the month, the Madras High Court commended Stalin for his decision to distribute school bags printed with the photos of his predecessor, and not reprinting them.[65][66] On 18 November 2021, Stalin announced that the state government will bear the expenses of emergency care for all vehicle accident victims for the first 48 hours.[67] In December 2021, he unveiled a real-time dashboard, which provided relevant information from all the government departments to the chief minister.[68]

In March 2022, Stalin launched the 'Naan Mudhalvan' scheme aimed at providing psychological counselling and medical advice to school students.[69] In May 2022, he welcomed the release of A. G. Perarivalan, who was convicted for the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.[70][71][72] On 5 September 2022, he launched a women education support programme titled 'Pudhumai Penn', which offered a monthly stipend of 1,000 (US$14) to girls who had completed their schooling in state government schools during their graduation or diploma.[73] The same was extended to boys later under the name of 'Tamil Pudhalavan' scheme on 14 June 2024.[74] On 15 September 2022, his government extended the midday meal scheme in government schools to cover breakfast.[75] Later in the month, he launched the Green Tamil Nadu Mission aimed at increasing the green cover in the state from 23.7% to 33% in the next ten years.[76]

In September 2023, Stalin launched a women's welfare scheme titled 'Magalir Urimai Thittam', which provided a stipend of 1,000 (US$14) per month to all women aged 21 years and above, provided their annual household income is less than 0.25 million (US$3,500).[77] Following the announcement earlier in 2021 that the state government planned to establish TIDEL neo Parks, information technology parks, at various places across Tamil Nadu, the first such park was opened in 2024.[78][79] On 4 August 2025, Stalin inaugurated the Vietnamese electric vehicle VinFast manufacturing plant at Thoothukudi, with an investment of US$2 billion (₹16,000 crore) and the creation of over 3,500 jobs within five years.[80] In December 2025, the state reported a nominal Gross State Domestic Product of 319 billion (US$4.5 billion) at current prices for the financial year 2024–25, registering a 16% y-o-y growth.[81] The real GSDP grew by 11.19%, the first time in 14 years that it had increased by more than ten percent.[82] In February 2026, the Tamil Nadu economic survey projected that the state can become a US$1 trillion economy by 2031,[83] in line with the state government's vision 2030.[84]

On 5 January 2026, the state government announced the re-launch of free laptop distribution scheme for state-run college students, which had been discontinued during the previous government.[85] As per the 2021 Manifesto proposed by Stalin and following protests from state government employees to restore the Old Pension Scheme, which was discontinued in 2003, the government announced the introduction of a new assured pension scheme in January 2026.[86][87] On 9 February 2026, Stalin inaugurated a Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover multi-energy vehicle plant in Ranipet, built at a cost of approximately US$1.1 billion (₹9,000 crore).[88]

In April 2026, the union government introduced a constitutional amendment bill to implement a reservation of one third of seats in the Indian parliament and state legislative assemblies to women based on the 2011 census rather than the 2027 census, increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats, and carry out a new delimitation of electoral constituencies.[89] Stalin opposed the proposed amendment and called for protests, stating that it would reduce the representation of southern states in parliament due to their comparatively lower population growth compared to the northern states.[90][91] However, while the union government verbally proposed a guarantee of 50% pro-rata increase uniformly for all states,[89] which would have marginally improved the proportion of representation of southern states,[92] the opposition protested the failure to include such terms in the original draft, and the coupling of women's reservation with the delimitation bill,[89] and the bill was subsequently defeated in the Lok Sabha on 17 April 2026.[93] For 2025–26, the real GSDP real economy growth rate was reported at 10.83% per the data released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.[94]

Electoral performance

Stalin unsuccessfully contested the 1984 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, standing for the Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai,[4] to which he was first elected in 1989.[95] In 1991, he contested the same seat for the third time and lost. He had been elected to the assembly consecutively six times since 1996.[4]

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election
Year Constituency Party Votes % Opponent Party Opponent Votes % Result Margin %
2021 Kolathur DMK 1,05,522 60.86 Aadi Rajaram AIADMK 35,138 20.27 Won 70,384 40.59
2016 91,303 54.25 J. C. D. Prabhakar 53,573 31.83 Won 37,730 22.42
2011 68,677 48.35 Saidai Duraisamy 65,943 46.43 Won 2,734 1.92
2006 Thousand Lights 49,817 46.00 Aadi Rajaram 47,349 43.72 Won 2,468 2.28
2001 49,056 51.41 S. Sekar Tamil Maanila Congress 41,782 43.78 Won 7,274 7.63
1996 66,905 69.72 Zeenath Sheriffdeen AIADMK 22,028 22.05 Won 44,877 47.67
1991 38,445 39.19 K. A. Krishnaswamy 55,426 56.50 Lost -16,981 -17.31
1989 50,818 50.59 Thambidurai 30,184 30.05 Won 20,634 20.54
1984 43,954 47.86 K. A. Krishnaswamy 46,246 50.36 Lost -2,292 -2.50

Public image and perception

In August 2021, Stalin was ranked first among chief ministers of India in the India Today "Mood of the Nation" survey.[96] The Indian Express named Stalin as India's 24th most powerful personality in 2022,[97] and 23rd in 2025.[98]

Awards and accolades

On 1 August 2009, Anna University conferred upon Stalin an honorary doctorate for his contributions to governance and community development.[99][100][101] The Kentucky Colonel Award, the highest award given by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the United States, was given to Stalin for his public service.[102] He was also honoured as Kentucky's goodwill ambassador.[103]

See also

Notes

References

  1. Thangavelu, Dharani (1 March 2017). "Will DMK's Stalin gain from the political feud in Tamil Nadu?". Mint. Archived from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "M.K. Stalin timeline: Slow, steady rise of DMK's new president". The Week. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
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Party political offices
Preceded by
M. Karunanidhi
Leader of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
28 August 2018 – Present
Incumbent

External links